Google reveals exactly when travelers should book Thanksgiving and Christmas flights for the lowest fares

As the holiday season approaches, air travel increases, but it often comes with the inconvenience of higher prices. Google has analyzed years of Google Flights data to provide insights on the best times to book Thanksgiving and Christmas flights in the US. The findings reveal that the cheapest domestic flights occur 39 days before departure, with a price range of 21 to 57 days beforehand. For international flights, the lowest prices are observed 89 days before departure.

For those traveling for Thanksgiving, booking 34 days in advance offers the lowest prices, while the range is 21 to 57 days prior. For the Christmas travel period, booking 56 days ahead of departure is recommended, with a low price range of 33 to 67 days before departure.

Other popular destinations like Mexico or the Caribbean require booking 43 days before departure to secure the best deals, with a low price range of 24 to 69 days. Flights to Europe also follow a similar pattern, hitting their lowest prices 90 days out, with a price range of 49 days or more before departure.

Spring break travel is cheapest 50 days before departure, with a price range of 29 to 64 days before the trip. For summer vacations in July or August, the best deals are available 21 days before departure, with a low price range of 20 to 47 days.

Google also debunks the myth that specific days of the week offer cheaper flights, stating that Sunday is the most expensive day by a small margin. However, the days and times you fly do matter. Outbound flights on Monday and return trips on Tuesday or Wednesday can save around 14% compared to weekend travel. Departing and returning on Sundays can result in around 20% savings for domestic trips.

Choosing a connecting flight can also help cut costs, as nonstop tickets cost 20% more on average.