Looking to find the best times to book your holiday flights? Google’s latest travel trend report sheds light on this year’s most strategic booking practices, just in time for the busy holiday season.
Leveraging its vast data resources, Google has unveiled key insights through its Google Flights platform, a growing tool for air travel research. The report provides practical advice for securing the best flight deals and maximizing savings during the holiday rush.
Google’s Essential Flight Booking Tips
Before diving into the best times to book, here are five fundamental tips from Google to streamline your flight booking process:
Explore Flight Options: Use the Google Flights Explore map to discover the most affordable travel routes globally if your destination is flexible.
Check Flexible Dates: Utilize the date grid and price graph on Google Flights to pinpoint the cheapest travel dates.
Consider Multiple Airports: Search for flights from various airports, including those in nearby cities or regional hubs.
Set Price Alerts: Enable price tracking alerts to receive notifications on significant fare drops.
Book Early: Secure the lowest fares by booking well in advance.
Timing Your Holiday Flight Bookings
Google’s data provides specific recommendations on the ideal times to book flights for various holiday periods:
Domestic Flights: Book approximately 38 days before departure to find the best deals.
International Flights: Aim to book around 101 days in advance. If this isn’t feasible, consider booking 50 days ahead, as
prices tend to increase significantly after this point.
Thanksgiving Flights: Purchase your tickets 45 days before the holiday. Alternatively, bookings made between 26 and 59 days out (early October) can also yield favorable rates.
Christmas Flights: Book your flights 58 days prior to Christmas. If this timeframe is too specific, consider booking between 36 and 72 days in advance (late October) to secure the best prices.
While these tips are based on aggregate data and may vary depending on your location, they offer a solid strategy for optimizing your travel budget this holiday season.
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