When to Book Holiday Flights, According to Google Data

Historical averages pin the lowest holiday airfares weeks ahead, though holding out for price drops carries real risk.

Photo: View from the Wing

Thanksgiving sweet spot
34 days out
Christmas sweet spot
56 days out

Fresh booking figures from Google reveal when holiday flight prices typically bottom out. The findings show the cheapest Thanksgiving fares surfacing 34 days prior to departure, while Christmas travelers generally see the lowest prices 56 days out.

Broad historical averages, however, cannot guarantee that a current fare will fall. Holding out for a statistical low point can easily backfire and push costs higher. Securing a ticket early and claiming a credit if the price later decreases offers a safer hedge against late fare spikes.

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