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If you want or need to travel this holiday season, start planning now, because the best times to book Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s travel are fast approaching.
“What’s most important is that travelers continue to plan now and consider booking into October,” said Haley Berg, chief economist at travel site Hopper. “The window of low prices is short-lived, but it could be really lucrative.”
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But travelers who miss out on that opportunity may have one last resort: Travel Tuesday, the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, Black Friday and Cyber ​​Monday.
On that day, “the whole travel industry will be on sale,” Berg said.
As you finalize your booking, keep in mind that traveling during the holidays can be fraught with problems, says Sally French, travel expert at NerdWallet.
“The holiday season is a difficult time to travel because not only do you have to deal with the harsh weather that comes with the holidays, but the crowds are larger,” French said.
Here’s how to make sure you get what you’re worth.
When is the price lowest?
Prices for holiday travel are slightly higher than this time last year, Berg said.
According to Hopper’s 2024 Holiday Travel Outlook report, the average cost of a round-trip flight over Thanksgiving (for flights departing Nov. 24-28) is now about $298. That’s up 10% from a year ago and 3% from pre-pandemic levels, according to the travel site.
Prices are expected to fall by about $40 on average before reaching a low in early October, at which point they will likely match 2023 levels, the report said.
Similarly, airfares for Christmas travel, defined as the week from Dec. 21 to 25, are hovering around $406 per round-trip booking on average, up 4% from a year ago and 13% from pre-pandemic levels, according to Hopper.
However, prices are expected to fall by around $80 from current levels and hit a low in October, according to the report.
“It’s really important for travelers to start thinking about booking travel now so they’re ready when October arrives,” Berg said.
Berg said if you’re “looking to book something last minute for Christmas or New Year’s,” a “good date to bookmark” is December 3, which is Travel Tuesday this year.
“If you’re lucky, you might be able to arrange something last minute,” Berg says, as the deals of the day could include big discounts on hotel accommodations, airfare and rental cars.
How to avoid the vacation travel ‘domino effect’
Experts say disruptions are likely during the holiday season as airlines and airports operate more flights than usual, and increased congestion could lead to “domino effect” problems.
For example, if a flight is delayed by 15 minutes when departing the gate, that could affect air traffic flow throughout the terminal, Berg said.
But the “biggest risks” are usually bad weather and technical failures, she said.
If you’re lucky, you might be able to get something done at the last minute.
Hayley Berg
Hopper’s Chief Economist
There are four important points to consider:
Avoid flying on peak days. For example, avoid the Sunday before and after Thanksgiving, experts say. For the past few years, the Sunday after Thanksgiving set a record for the busiest day to fly, or the number of travelers passing through TSA checkpoints, French says. Take the first flight of the day. Book one of the first flights of the day to avoid being affected by delays and cancellations, Berg says. After 8 a.m., you’re twice as likely to be affected by flight delays or cancellations, she says. Allow yourself time to make time for delays and cancellations. If it’s really important that you get to your destination, “give yourself extra time to get there” and travel a few days in advance, French says. “If it’s really important that you actually make it in time for Christmas dinner, fly in a few days in advance,” she says. Broaden your search. It’s helpful to know other airports nearby, French says. Knowing other airports may help you find more affordable options. It may be a long drive to your destination, but if you absolutely have to get there, it makes sense, she said.