The holiday season is one of the most magical times of the year, but it’s also one of the busiest and most expensive times to travel. With Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s all coming up, locking in affordable flights can seem impossible—but it doesn’t have to be! October is the perfect time to start searching for the best flight deals before prices skyrocket. In this post, we’ll guide you through 10 proven tips to help you find cheap holiday flights so you can travel stress-free and within your budget. Let’s dive into the strategies that will save you big money while ensuring you get to your holiday destinations with ease.
Table of Contents
1. Book Early—But Not Too Early!
While it’s true that waiting until the last minute can cost you, booking too early can sometimes lead to overpaying. The sweet spot for booking holiday flights is generally 6-8 weeks before departure, making October the ideal time to lock in your Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year’s flights. If you wait until November, expect a significant spike in prices. For example, a flight that costs $300 in October can easily jump to $500 or more if booked closer to the holiday season.
Plan Your Trip:
Secure your flight deals through Expedia or Trip.com today!
2. Use Fare Comparison Tools
Comparison tools like Google Flights, Skyscanner, and Kayak can help you compare prices across airlines to ensure you’re getting the best deal possible. These platforms allow you to set price alerts to monitor fluctuations and book when fares drop. For example, Google Flights lets you track a route, and you’ll receive notifications when the price drops—ideal for holiday travel when prices change frequently. Keep checking daily, especially in the morning when new deals tend to pop up.
Plan Your Trip:
Use Expedia or Hotels.com for easy flight searches and bookings.
3. Be Flexible with Your Travel Dates
If your schedule allows, being flexible with your departure and return dates can save you a significant amount of money. Traveling a day or two before or after major holidays can help you avoid peak travel prices. For instance, instead of flying out on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving (the busiest travel day of the year), consider flying on Tuesday or even on Thanksgiving morning for a much cheaper rate.
Plan Your Trip:
Check out flights that fit your flexible schedule through Expedia or Trip.com.
4. Consider Alternative Airports
Flying into or out of smaller, nearby airports can sometimes offer cheaper flights. For example, instead of flying into Los Angeles (LAX), consider flying into Burbank (BUR) or Long Beach (LGB). This works especially well if you’re traveling to metropolitan areas with multiple airports, like New York City (JFK vs. Newark or LaGuardia). Not only can you find cheaper fares, but smaller airports often have shorter security lines and less congestion.
Plan Your Trip:
Find affordable flights and connections on Expedia or Trip.com.
5. Travel Light and Avoid Extra Fees
Holiday flights are notoriously expensive, but one way to save is by avoiding checked luggage fees. Stick to carry-on bags and pack light to dodge these extra costs, which can add up quickly. Airlines like Spirit and Frontier are notorious for charging extra fees, even for carry-ons, so review their policies carefully. Packing smart (think travel-sized toiletries and layering outfits) will also help avoid any surprise charges.
Plan Your Trip:
Book affordable flight options on Expedia or Hotels.com.
6. Use Airline Miles or Travel Points
If you’ve been accumulating frequent flyer miles or credit card travel points, the holiday season is the perfect time to cash them in. Check your rewards balances and use points to reduce or completely cover your airfare costs. Consider using a mix of points and cash for more expensive flights. Even if you don’t have enough points for a full flight, they can reduce the cost substantially during high-demand holiday periods.
Plan Your Trip:
Redeem your miles and book flights through Expedia or Trip.com.
7. Book Flights Midweek
Flight prices tend to be lower if you book on Tuesdays or Wednesdays, as airlines often release deals on these days. Try to avoid booking flights over the weekend, when prices are generally higher. This also applies to flying midweek; flights departing on Tuesday or Wednesday are typically cheaper than weekend flights, and you’ll also encounter fewer crowds.
Plan Your Trip:
Find discounted midweek flights on Expedia or Hotels.com.
8. Sign Up for Airline Newsletters and Alerts
Airlines often send out exclusive deals to their subscribers via email, so signing up for newsletters from your favorite airlines can give you a heads-up on flash sales and discounted holiday flights. For example, Southwest Airlines frequently offers “Wanna Get Away” deals, where you can snag fares as low as $49 for certain routes. These offers can sell out fast, so being on the mailing list gives you an advantage.
Plan Your Trip:
Subscribe and start booking with savings through Expedia or Trip.com.
9. Travel on the Holiday Itself
If you don’t mind traveling on the actual holiday, you could score major savings. Flights on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Eve tend to be much cheaper than flights the days leading up to these holidays. For instance, a Christmas Day flight can be hundreds of dollars cheaper than one on December 23rd. Plus, airports are usually less crowded, making your travel experience much smoother.
Plan Your Trip:
Find cheap holiday flights through Expedia or Hotels.com.
10. Use Budget Airlines
Don’t overlook budget airlines like Spirit, Frontier, and Southwest for your holiday travel. While they might have fewer amenities, they often offer significantly cheaper fares, especially if you book early. However, be aware of extra charges for things like carry-on bags, seat assignments, and snacks. To make the most of budget airlines, pay for what you absolutely need and skip the rest.
Plan Your Trip:
Search for budget airline flights on Expedia or Trip.com.
The holiday season is fast approaching, and with these 10 proven tips, you’ll be able to lock in affordable flights and enjoy your holiday travels without breaking the bank. Don’t wait too long, though—prices will continue to rise the closer we get to the holidays.
We know holiday travel can be hectic, so to make things easier, be sure to plan your trip through trusted platforms like Expedia, Trip.com, or Hotels.com for the best deals on flights, accommodations, and more. Also, check out Viator for tours and experiences, or use CruiseDirect if you’re planning to combine your holiday trip with a cruise! Booking through these links helps support our content and ensures you get top-notch travel options for your next holiday adventure.
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