Google flights tips for scoring the best holiday travel deals in 2024

As the busy summer travel season winds down, it’s time to start planning your holiday trips. Whether you’re eyeing lower fares during the fall shoulder season or getting ahead of the game for Thanksgiving and Christmas, now is the perfect time to book to lock in the best deals, according to new insights from Google Flights.

Key Findings from Google Flights:

Google Flights analyzed data from the past four years across the top 4,000 U.S. markets to identify the best times to book flights for the holiday season. Here’s what they found:

Top Holiday Travel Destinations for 2024:

• Most-searched Thanksgiving Destinations:
  1. Orlando
  2. Cancun
  3. New York
  4. Tokyo
  5. London
• Most-searched Christmas and New Year’s Eve Destinations:
  1. Tokyo
  2. Orlando
  3. Cancun
  4. Miami
  5. New York

When to Book Your Holiday Travel:

Domestic Flights:

• Thanksgiving: The best time to book domestic flights for Thanksgiving is around 45 days before departure, with the lowest prices typically found between 26 and 59 days out. Aim to book in early October.
• Christmas: For domestic Christmas travel, booking around 58 days before departure is ideal, with a range of 36 to 72 days for the best prices. Start booking in the latter half of October.

International Flights:

For international travel, the general rule is the earlier, the better. The best deals are usually found about 101 days (just under four months) before departure, but booking 50 days in advance is also effective. Specific regions have slightly different timelines:

• Europe: Best to book 94 days in advance.
• Mexico and the Caribbean: Aim for 44 days before departure.

Are Tuesdays the Best Day to Book Flights?

While it’s a common belief that booking on Tuesdays saves money, the actual savings are minimal—just 1.3% cheaper compared to the most expensive booking day, Sunday. However, you can save more by choosing to fly on less popular days like Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday, which can be up to 13% cheaper than weekend flights.

Tips for Saving Money on Holiday Travel in 2024:

1. Use Google Flights’ Explore Map: If you’re flexible on your destination, use the Explore feature on Google Flights. Enter your home airport and leave the destination blank to see flight prices to various locations worldwide. You can filter results by trip length, flight duration, and other preferences.
2. Consider Flights with Layovers: Opting for a flight with layovers instead of nonstop can save you an average of 25% on airfare.
3. Fly into Alternate Airports: Check flights into alternative airports near your destination. For instance, flying into Newark instead of JFK for a New York City trip might offer cheaper fares. Google Flights allows you to add nearby airports to your search to compare prices.

With these tips and insights from Google Flights, you can maximize your savings and secure the best deals for your 2024 holiday travel plans!