When to Book Christmas Holiday Airline Tickets: Expert Advice

by | Oct 19, 2023 | Travel Planning

The Christmas holiday season is one of the busiest travel periods of the year, with millions of people taking to the skies to visit family and friends. However, with so many people traveling, it can be difficult to find affordable airline tickets. The question on many travelers’ minds is: when is the best time to buy airline tickets for Christmas holiday travel?

According to a recent report from Google Flights, the best time to purchase airline tickets for Christmas travel is 71 days before departure. This means that if you’re planning to travel on Christmas Eve, the best day to buy your tickets is likely to be in mid-October. However, it’s important to keep in mind that prices can fluctuate depending on a variety of factors, including demand, availability, and airline promotions.

While 71 days before departure is generally considered the best time to buy Christmas holiday airline tickets, there are a few other tips and tricks that can help you save money. For example, consider traveling on the holiday itself, as this can often result in cheaper fares. Additionally, be flexible with your travel dates and be willing to make sacrifices, such as taking a red-eye flight or making a layover. By following these tips and doing your research, you can find affordable airline tickets for your Christmas holiday travel.

White Airplane

Understanding Airline Ticket Pricing

When it comes to buying airline tickets, understanding how the pricing works can help you save money. Airline ticket prices are not set in stone, and they can fluctuate based on a variety of factors.

One of the main factors that affect airline ticket prices is the demand for flights. During peak travel times, such as the Christmas holiday season, demand for flights tends to be high, which can drive up prices. On the other hand, if demand is low, airlines may offer discounts to entice travelers to book flights.

Another factor that affects airline ticket prices is the time of day and day of the week that you book your flight. Generally, flights that depart early in the morning or late at night tend to be cheaper than those that depart during peak travel times. Additionally, booking your flight on a weekday, rather than a weekend, can also help you save money.

It’s also important to note that airline ticket prices can vary based on the airline you choose to fly with. Some airlines may offer cheaper fares than others, depending on their pricing strategy.

Overall, understanding airline ticket pricing can help you save money when booking your Christmas holiday travel. By keeping an eye on demand, booking at the right time, and choosing the right airline, you can score a great deal on your flight.

Best Time to Book Christmas Flights

Booking flights for Christmas holiday travel can be a daunting task, especially if you are trying to find the best deals. However, with some careful planning and research, you can save a significant amount of money on your airfare.

According to Google Flights, the best time to book Christmas flights is 71 days before departure. This means that if you are planning to travel during the Christmas holiday season, you should start looking for flights in early October. Hopper, a travel booking app, also recommends booking holiday travel by October 14.

Booking early is crucial if you want to get the best deals on Christmas flights. As the holiday season approaches, airfare prices tend to increase, and the availability of flights decreases. By booking early, you can avoid the last-minute rush and secure your preferred flight at a reasonable price.

It is also essential to be flexible with your travel dates. If you can travel a few days before or after Christmas Day, you may be able to find cheaper flights. Additionally, consider flying during off-peak hours, such as early morning or late at night, as these flights are usually less expensive.

In summary, the best time to book Christmas flights is early October, around 71 days before departure. By booking early and being flexible with your travel dates and times, you can save money on your holiday airfare.

Factors Affecting Flight Prices

When it comes to booking flights for Christmas holiday travel, there are several factors that can impact the price of airfare. Here are some of the most important factors to keep in mind:

Seasonal Variations

One of the biggest factors that can affect the price of flights during the Christmas holiday season is seasonal demand. Many people want to travel to be with family and friends during this time of year, which can drive up the cost of airfare. As a result, it’s often more expensive to book flights in December than it is at other times of the year.

Federal Holidays

Another factor that can impact the cost of airfare during the Christmas holiday season is federal holidays. Christmas Day and New Year’s Day are both federal holidays, which means that many people have the day off from work and school. This can lead to increased demand for flights around these dates, which can drive up prices.

man standing inside airport looking at LED flight schedule bulletin board

How to Find the Best Deals

Finding the best deals on Christmas holiday travel can be a daunting task, but there are a few tips and tricks that can help you save money. Here are some ways to find the best deals on airline tickets:

Use Google Flights

Google Flights is a powerful tool for finding the best deals on airline tickets. It allows you to search for flights by date, destination, and airline, and it also provides you with a calendar view of prices for each day. You can also set up price alerts to be notified when prices drop.

Check Airlines’ Websites

While third-party websites like Skyscanner and Hopper can be useful for finding deals, it’s always a good idea to check airlines’ websites directly. Sometimes they offer exclusive deals or promotions that you won’t find on other sites.

Be Flexible with Dates

If you’re willing to be flexible with your travel dates, you can often find better deals. Try searching for flights a few days before or after your intended travel dates to see if there are any cheaper options available.

Book Early

Booking early can also help you save money on Christmas holiday travel. Airlines often offer lower prices for flights booked several months in advance, so it’s a good idea to start looking for tickets as soon as you know your travel dates.

Consider Alternative Airports

If you’re flying to a popular destination, consider flying into a nearby airport instead. Sometimes flying into a smaller airport can be cheaper, and you can always rent a car or take public transportation to your final destination.

By using these tips and tricks, you can find the best deals on airline tickets for your Christmas holiday travel.

Traveling During Peak Holiday Seasons

Traveling during peak holiday seasons can be stressful and expensive. The holiday season is one of the busiest times of the year for airports and airlines, and prices tend to be higher than usual. However, with some planning and flexibility, travelers can still find good deals on holiday flights.

When it comes to Thanksgiving travel, the busiest travel days are typically the Wednesday before and the Sunday after Thanksgiving. If possible, travelers should consider flying on the actual holiday itself, as flights tend to be less crowded and cheaper. In addition, booking flights during midweek (Tuesday to Thursday) can save travelers between $80 and $130, according to travel experts.

For Christmas travel, the busiest travel days are typically the weekend before Christmas and the days immediately following Christmas. Travelers should consider booking flights for the days leading up to Christmas Eve or for the days after New Year’s Day, as these are often less busy and cheaper.

When booking holiday flights, it’s important to book early. According to travel experts, the best time to book a flight is one to three months before your travel date for domestic flights, and two to eight months prior for international flights. However, it’s better to book earlier than later for the peak holiday season, as prices tend to go up as the holiday approaches.

In addition to booking early, travelers should also be flexible with their travel dates and destinations. Traveling on less popular days or to less popular destinations can often result in cheaper flights. It’s also important to be aware of the busiest airports during the holiday season, as these airports are more likely to experience delays and long lines.

Overall, traveling during peak holiday seasons can be challenging, but with some planning and flexibility, travelers can still find good deals on holiday flights.

Last Minute Bookings and Change Fees

When it comes to booking flights for Christmas holiday travel, last-minute bookings are generally not recommended. Airlines tend to charge higher prices for flights booked closer to the departure date, so it’s best to book as early as possible. However, if you do need to book a flight at the last minute, there are a few things to keep in mind.

Firstly, it’s important to be aware of the change fees that may apply if you need to make any changes to your booking. These fees can be expensive, especially if you need to make changes close to the departure date. Some airlines may charge a flat fee for changes, while others may charge a percentage of the ticket price. It’s important to read the airline’s terms and conditions carefully before booking, so you know what to expect if you need to make changes.

If you do need to make changes to your booking, it’s best to do so as soon as possible to avoid higher change fees. Most airlines have different rules for changing flights depending on how close to the departure date you are. For example, some airlines may allow you to make changes up to 24 hours before departure without any fees, while others may charge a fee for changes made within 60 days of departure.

In general, it’s best to avoid making last-minute bookings for Christmas holiday travel if possible. Not only are prices likely to be higher, but change fees can also add to the cost of your trip. If you do need to book a last-minute flight, be sure to read the airline’s terms and conditions carefully and be prepared for the possibility of higher prices and fees.

Utilizing Airline Points and Miles

For travelers who have accumulated airline points and miles, the holiday season can be a great opportunity to use them. However, it is important to note that availability of award seats can be limited during peak travel times, such as Christmas.

It is recommended that travelers book award seats as early as possible to secure availability. Airlines typically release award seats 11 months in advance, so booking as soon as possible after that window opens can increase the chances of securing a seat.

Some airlines also offer last-minute award seat availability, which can be useful for travelers who have flexible travel plans. However, this is not a guarantee and can be risky during peak travel times.

When using airline points and miles to book holiday travel, it is important to compare the value of the redemption to the cost of purchasing a ticket outright. In some cases, using points and miles may not be the most cost-effective option.

Overall, utilizing airline points and miles for Christmas holiday travel can be a great way to save money. However, it is important to plan ahead and be flexible with travel dates to increase the chances of securing award seats.

Happy young couple doing purchase on Internet together at home

 

Affording Your Holiday Travel

Holiday travel can be expensive, but with some careful planning and smart choices, it’s possible to make it more affordable. Here are some tips to help you afford your holiday travel:

Book Early

Booking your holiday travel early can help you save money. According to experts, the best time to book Christmas flights is in August, with prices increasing as the holiday season approaches. By booking early, you can take advantage of lower prices and avoid the rush.

Be Flexible

Being flexible with your travel dates can also help you save money. If you can travel on weekdays instead of weekends, for example, you may be able to find cheaper flights. You can also consider flying into a nearby airport or taking a connecting flight to save money.

Use Rewards Programs

If you have rewards points or miles with an airline or credit card company, consider using them to pay for your holiday travel. This can help you save money on flights, hotels, and other travel expenses.

Compare Prices

Before booking your holiday travel, be sure to compare prices from different airlines and travel websites. You may be able to find a better deal by shopping around.

Set a Budget

Setting a budget for your holiday travel can help you avoid overspending. Be sure to include all of your travel expenses, such as flights, hotels, rental cars, and meals, in your budget.

Consider Alternative Accommodations

If hotels are too expensive, consider alternative accommodations such as vacation rentals, hostels, or camping. These options can be more affordable and may offer unique experiences.

By following these tips, you can make your holiday travel more affordable and enjoyable.

[cboxarea id="cbox-fvCQgKr9fHLTrAkp"]