When to book flights for December?

Decoding December Flight Prices: Your Guide to Holiday Travel Savings

December, a month brimming with festive cheer and holiday travel, often sees a surge in flight prices. Navigating this busy period requires strategic planning, and knowing when to book your flights is crucial for securing the best deals. So, when should you click that “purchase” button for your December getaway?

While the golden rule of booking flights as early as possible often holds true, December travel presents a slightly different scenario. Instead of booking months and months in advance, data suggests a sweeter spot exists closer to two months prior to your departure date. Google Flights data consistently points to this timeframe – roughly eight weeks before your travel date – as offering the lowest average prices for December flights. This window provides a balance between securing a good price and having a reasonable selection of flights and times still available.

This two-month window allows you to capitalize on pre-holiday pricing before the surge in demand driven by Christmas and New Year’s travelers. Prices tend to climb steadily as December approaches, peaking in the days immediately surrounding the holidays. Leaving your booking until the last minute can result in significantly inflated fares, especially for popular routes.

It’s interesting to note the contrast with Thanksgiving travel. For this holiday, the optimal booking window is typically closer to 45 days out. This difference highlights the importance of understanding the specific booking trends for each holiday period.

While two months prior is a good general guideline, flexibility remains your greatest ally. If your travel dates are flexible, consider flying on less popular days, such as Tuesdays or Wednesdays, or even opting for a Christmas Day or New Year’s Eve flight. These less-traveled days often offer lower fares.

Beyond the two-month mark, keep an eye on price comparison websites and set up fare alerts. Occasionally, airlines may release last-minute deals or flash sales, but these are often unpredictable and require quick action.

In summary, securing the best deal on your December flights requires proactive planning. Aim for the two-month mark as your target booking window, stay flexible with your travel dates if possible, and utilize price tracking tools to snag any unexpected deals. By following these tips, you can maximize your travel budget and enjoy a more affordable holiday season.