Holiday airfare is already running higher than last year, and travel advisers say waiting too long could leave travelers with fewer flight choices and higher prices.
• Thanksgiving and Christmas are more expensive. Hopper data cited in the source puts average round-trip domestic airfare at $402 for Thanksgiving, up $95 from last year, and $452 for Christmas, up $85.
• Aim for mid-October. Travel adviser Ronit Margolis recommends booking holiday flights by October 15 when possible. Hopper’s guidance is to book before Halloween, but Margolis considers Halloween the latest target rather than the time to begin shopping.
• Don’t wait for a perfect price. There is no guaranteed cheapest day to book. If you find a fare that fits your budget and schedule, waiting for a small drop could mean losing the flight you actually want.
• Flexibility can lower the fare. Consider flying a day or two earlier or later, checking nearby airports and choosing less popular travel days. The source specifically highlights Monday or Tuesday departures before the holidays as potentially less expensive.
• Think beyond the ticket price. A cheaper fare isn’t always the better value if it means a long connection or an inconvenient schedule. Booking directly with the airline and choosing a flexible fare can also provide more options if plans or prices change.
The Smarter Take: If you’re flying for Thanksgiving or Christmas, start shopping now and aim to book by mid-October rather than waiting until Halloween. For travelers with fixed dates, especially families, securing a reasonable nonstop fare may matter more than chasing a small potential price drop.