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If you want or need to travel this holiday season, start planning now because the ideal time to book travel for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s is just around the corner.
“The bottom line is that travelers continue to think about planning now and booking in October,” said Hayley Berg, chief economist at travel website Hopper. “The window for low prices, while short-lived, does help. Brings rewards.”
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But travelers who miss this window may have one last option: so-called “Travel Tuesday,” the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
That day, “almost the entire travel industry started discounting,” Berg said.
Whenever you decide to confirm your reservation, keep in mind that traveling during the holidays can be fraught with hassles, says Sally French, travel expert at NerdWallet.
“The holidays are a difficult time to travel because not only are you dealing with potentially more severe holiday weather, but you’re also working with larger crowds,” French said.
Here’s how to make sure you’re getting good value.
When will the price reach its lowest point?
Burger said holiday travel prices are slightly higher compared to this time last year.
On average, a round-trip Thanksgiving Day flight (defined as departures between November 24 and 28) currently costs about $298. according to Hopper’s 2024 Holiday Travel Outlook Report. The travel website found that this number was up 10% from a year ago and 3% above pre-pandemic levels.
The report states that prices are expected to fall by about $40 on average until reaching their lowest levels in early October, at which point prices may remain consistent with 2023 levels.
Likewise, the average round-trip ticket price for Christmas travel (defined as the week of Dec. 21-25) hovers at $406, up 4% from a year ago and 13% from pre-pandemic, according to Hopper.
However, prices are expected to drop by about $80 from current levels until they reach their lowest point in October, the report said.
“It’s important for travelers to consider booking travel now so that when October rolls around, they’re ready,” Berg said.
If you’re “looking to book something last minute for Christmas or New Year,” Berg says, a “good day to bookmark” is December 3, which is Travel Tuesday this year.
“You might get lucky … and make some last-minute decisions,” Berg said, as the day’s deals could include deep discounts on hotel stays, flights and rental cars.
How to avoid the holiday travel “domino effect”
Experts say disruption is more likely to occur during the holidays as airlines and airports operate more flights than usual and increased crowds could cause a “domino effect” problem.
For example, Berg said, if a flight leaves the gate 15 minutes late, it could impact air traffic flow throughout the terminal.
But she said the “biggest risks” were often severe weather and technical failures.
You might get lucky…and make some last-minute decisions.
Hailey Berg
Hopper Chief Economist
Here are four key things to consider:
- Avoid flying on peak days. For example, experts say that around Thanksgiving, avoid the Sundays surrounding the holiday. French said that in past years, the Sunday after Thanksgiving has set records for the busiest day for flying or the number of travelers passing through TSA checkpoints.
- Take the first flight of the day. Try to book the earliest flight of the day, Berg says, as this will help you avoid delays and cancellations. She said after 8 a.m. you’re twice as likely to be affected by a flight delay or cancellation.
- Allow time for delays and cancellations. If getting to your destination is important to you, French says, “take extra time to get there” and travel a few days in advance. “If it’s really important that you go there for a real Christmas dinner, fly a few days in advance,” she said.
- Expand your search. French said it can be helpful to know what airports are nearby. If you know of other airports, it may help you find more affordable options. The drive to your destination may be longer, but it makes sense if getting there is important, she said.
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