When Is the best time to book flights for the holidays?
With the holidays just around the corner, it's time to start looking into booking your flights.
Google has released some of the best times to buy your airline tickets, based on four years of aggregated Google Flights data and other trends.
Here's the latest insight, according to Google.
Domestic flights
The average price for U.S. domestic flights is at its lowest 38 days before departure. Historically, prices dipped at their lowest between 21–52 days before takeoff.
International flights
People looking to fly to another country should look at airline prices as early as they can. Average prices are usually at their lowest 101 days before departure. Historically, the low price range is anywhere from 50 days or more before takeoff. This means international airline tickets don't dip before departure but instead rise within 50 days of departure.
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Thanksgiving
For domestic flights, prices have been found to be at their lowest 45 days before departure, and the low price range is 26–59 days out. With that, the best time to start booking flights is in early October.
Christmas
For domestic flights, you should know that prices have been at their lowest 58 days before departure, and the low price range is 36–72 days out. That means the best time to book your Christmas flights is the latter half of October.
A United Airlines aircraft on the tarmac at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) in Newark, New Jersey, US, on Monday, Jan. 8, 2024. Photographer: Yuki Iwamura/Bloomberg via Getty Images
Spring break
If you're planning a spring break trip within the U.S., sometime between March and April, the lowest prices have been 44 days before departure, and the low price range is 33-59 days out.
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Summer vacation
If you would like to fly within the U.S. in July or August, some last-minute bargains are available. Prices have been lowest 21 days before departure, and the low price range is 13-43 days out.
Trips to Europe
If you want to fly to Europe, airline tickets tend to be the cheapest 94 days before departure. Historically, the low price range is 50 days or more before takeoff.
Trips to Mexico or the Caribbean
Google says these trips are usually the exception when talking about international travel. Prices for airline tickets to these places have been lowest 44 days before departure, and the low price range is 26-68 days out.
Which day of the week should I buy airline tickets?
Google says there's really no good day of the week to book an airline ticket. However, Tuesday has historically been the cheapest but only 1.3% cheaper than the most expensive day, Sunday.
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What's the cheapest day to fly?
Google says the cheapest days of the week to fly are Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday, which have been 13% cheaper than flying on Friday, Saturday or Sunday. If you exclude international trips, the potential savings jump to 20%.
Which is cheaper: layover or nonstop?
Google said on average, nonstops have been 25% more expensive than flights with stops, but it may be worth it depending on how quickly you want to get to your destination.