Flight prices can feel like a gamble. One day you’re seeing a deal, and the next, prices have jumped by hundreds of dollars. So how do you find the sweet spot for booking without constantly refreshing flight search apps?
Google Flights dug into the data, and the answer depends on when and where you’re traveling. From spring break to summer vacations, here’s your guide to knowing exactly when to book for the lowest prices—no guesswork required.
Image Credit: Pexels / Photo by Andre Furtado
When to Book: A Season-by-Season Breakdown
1. Spring Break (March–April)
For domestic trips during spring break, flight prices have historically been lowest 44 days before departure, with a sweet spot of 33–59 days out.
If you’re flying somewhere sunny like Florida or California, mark your calendar for early February to snag the best deals. Avoid waiting until the last minute—spring break travel is popular, and prices climb quickly as flights fill up.
Tip: Flex your dates if you can. Flights mid-week (Tuesday or Wednesday) tend to be cheaper than weekend departures.
2. Summer Vacations (July–August)
For domestic summer travel, there’s good news: last-minute deals are more common. Prices have been lowest 21 days before departure, with the low range falling 13–43 days out.
That means you don’t have to book far in advance unless you’re traveling during busy weeks like the July 4th holiday. If you’re willing to be flexible, waiting a little longer might save you money.
Tip: Flying late in August is usually cheaper than peak July travel, when demand (and prices) are highest.
3. Thanksgiving (Late November)
Thanksgiving travel is short, intense, and expensive if you don’t plan ahead. Prices are lowest 45 days before departure, with the low range at 26–59 days out.
Translation: For the best savings, lock in flights by early October. Anything later, and prices will start to soar as seats fill up.
Tip: Consider flying on Thanksgiving morning instead of the day before. It’s often less expensive and less crowded.
4. Christmas and New Year’s (Late December–Early January)
For domestic trips over Christmas, the lowest prices pop up around 58 days before departure, with a booking window of 36–72 days out. That means the best time to book is late October.
If you’re traveling internationally for the holidays, book even earlier—ideally 3–4 months ahead. International flights rarely see price drops closer to departure.
Tip: Consider flying on Christmas Day or New Year’s Eve for cheaper fares.
5. International Travel
International flights follow a different pattern. Generally, the earlier you book, the better. On average, prices are lowest 101 days before departure, but anything 50+ days out can still fall into the “low” range.
- Europe: Book about 3 months ahead (94 days is the sweet spot).
- Mexico and the Caribbean: These trips break the international rule—you’ll find the lowest prices about 44 days before departure.
Tip: Prices for international flights tend to rise sharply within 50 days of departure. If you’re going abroad, don’t wait.
Why Timing Matters
Flight prices are dynamic, and airlines use complex algorithms to set fares based on demand. Seats on popular routes (think spring break beach destinations or Thanksgiving routes) sell quickly, so prices rise as availability drops.
On less competitive routes or during slower seasons, airlines are more likely to drop fares closer to departure to fill empty seats.
Extra Tips to Avoid Overpaying
- Set Price Alerts: Tools like Google Flights and Skyscanner let you track price changes for specific routes. If you’re not ready to book, set an alert so you don’t miss a price drop.
- Be Flexible with Dates: Flying a day earlier or later can make a big difference. Mid-week flights (Monday–Wednesday) are often cheaper than weekend ones.
- Skip the Nonstop Premium: Nonstop flights are convenient, but they’re typically 25% more expensive than flights with layovers. If saving money is a priority, consider a stopover.
- Avoid Peak Days: For holidays, flying on the actual day (e.g., Thanksgiving Day or Christmas Day) can often save you money.
Timing Is Everything
Booking flights doesn’t have to feel like a guessing game. By knowing the best time to book for each season, you can plan your travel smarter and save money without the stress.
- Spring Break? Book in February.
- Summer? You’ve got time—keep an eye out 2–3 weeks before.
- Thanksgiving? Early October is your deadline.
- Christmas? Late October is the sweet spot.
- International trips? Earlier is always better.
Save these tips for your next trip, and let the data work in your favor.
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Featured Image Credit: Pexels / Photo by Andre Furtado.
For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.
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