While I love that the holiday season is approaching, one aspect fills me with dread: the chaos of holiday travel. Every year, I hope my travel experience doesn’t rival the airport stress levels in Home Alone 2, but it almost seems inevitable, given how busy this time of year can be. While I can’t control the bustling airports or the constantly moving parts of organizing a holiday trip, I’m committed to scoring the best possible deals on holiday travel this year.
I know it might feel early, but when you see snowmen and candy canes replacing skeletons and pumpkins in every store, it’s time to start planning your holiday travel. The season comes with so many expenses; the last thing you want is to overpay for flights just because you procrastinated. Thankfully, the experts at Google Flights have shared some top tips on saving money for holiday travel this year. Whether you’re booking a flight home for the holidays or planning a winter getaway, here’s what you need to know to get the best deals:
1. Book ASAP
I get it—booking flights is easy to put off. We’ve all been guilty of procrastinating, only to be met with minimal options and a much higher price tag than expected. If that sounds like you, let this be your reminder that the early bird really does get the worm when it comes to affordable flights. Start looking at flights as soon as you know where you’re going. According to Google Flights, domestic flight prices are generally at their lowest 38 days before departure, but booking anywhere between 21-52 days out is a good bet for lower prices. For international flights, prices typically start rising 50 days before takeoff.
If you’re traveling for Thanksgiving, the cheapest domestic flight prices typically appear 45 days before departure, with the low price range ranging from 26-59 days out. For Christmas, you’ll want to plan even further ahead—Google Flights reports that prices have historically been lowest 58 days before departure, with the low price range hitting between 36–72 days. If you’re reading this, it’s not too late, but it is time to get the gears moving to find a flight.
2. Set price tracking alerts
Gone are the days of constantly refreshing tabs to check for price drops. Technology can do all the work for you. By tracking flight prices (whether through Google Flights or another flight tracker website like KAYAK or Hopper), you can ensure you’re getting the best deal without carving out time for a research deep dive. You can track as many flights as you want, and Google Flights will notify you via email when prices rise or fall—making it easy to decide when to pull the trigger and purchase.
3. Book a refundable plane ticket and continue price tracking
If waiting to book in hopes of a price drop makes your heart race (fellow Type-A planners, I see you!), here’s a hack you’ll love. Book a refundable ticket and turn on price tracking on Google Flights. If the price drops, you can rebook at the lower rate without stressing about missing out on your ideal flight time. Just check the airline and booking provider’s refund policies and confirm they allow you to switch to a cheaper option.
4. Consider multiple airports
A direct flight into an airport that’s just minutes from your final destination is the gold standard when traveling, but unfortunately, that’s not always the most affordable. It could save you a pretty penny if you’re flexible with your destination, not opposed to a layover, or willing to travel to an airport farther from your final stop. When tracking your flights, include multiple airports and destinations to easily see the cost differential for making your travel day a little longer or less direct. It might be worth the extra work if it saves you hundreds of dollars to hop on a shuttle or train after your flight (or convince a particularly loving and hospitable relative to drive further to pick you up).
5. Fly early in the week
You’ve probably heard that booking your flight on a weekend results in higher prices. While that’s technically true, according to Google Flights, the difference is small. Booking on Tuesday is only about 1.3 percent cheaper than booking on Sunday, the most expensive day. The real difference comes down to when you fly. Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday are the cheapest days to travel while flying Friday through Sunday can be 13 percent more expensive for domestic flights and 20 percent more for international ones. It can make a big difference if you can adjust your PTO and fly early in the week.
6. Use the “What You’ll Pay” feature to compare hotels
Flights aren’t the only significant expense during holiday travel. If you’re not staying with friends or family, accommodations can also get pricey. Google Flights offers a “What You’ll Pay” feature that helps you compare hotel prices, how they stack up against past averages, and their ratings. You can use it to compare hotels and rentals side-by-side and see whether booking directly or through a third-party site will get you the best deal. It’s a convenient way to explore your options and ensure you get a reasonable price.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Lauren Blue, Lifestyle Staff Writer
As a Lifestyle Staff Writer for The Everygirl, Lauren ideates and writes content for every facet of our readers’ lives. Her articles span the topics of home decor, delicious recipes, hobbies, travel itineraries—and everything in between. When she isn’t testing the latest TikTok trend, she can be found scouring Instagram for beautiful homes to feature on the site.
