Google Reveals the Best Time to Book Thanksgiving and Christmas Flights for Lower Fares

Google Flights says booking timing can drive holiday fare savings even as prices rise. For Thanksgiving, Google Flights estimates the lowest fares in October, with the best date around 34 days before departure. Thanksgiving falls Nov. 26, pointing to Oct. 22 for flights leaving the Wednesday before. More broadly, the strongest window is 57 to 21 days ahead. For Christmas, Google Flights expects lowest average fares about 56 days before departure, with a savings window of 33 to 67 days. Hopper data suggests flying Monday or Tuesday before Thanksgiving can cost less than Wednesday and avoiding Sunday, Nov. 29. Hopper estimates domestic round-trip Thanksgiving averages $402 (+31% year over year) and Christmas $452 (+23%).