Traveling for Thanksgiving 2024: When to Buy Plane Tickets and How to Save
Traveling for Thanksgiving 2024
Thanksgiving is a time for gathering with family and friends, and for many of us, that means traveling. With Thanksgiving 2024 just around the corner, travelers are starting to plan their trips, and one of the biggest questions on everyone’s mind is: When is the best time to buy plane tickets?
Thanks to Google Flights’ recently released 2024 travel data and trends, we now have key insights into the best times to fly and when to purchase tickets for Thanksgiving. From domestic flights to international travel, here’s a comprehensive guide on how to save money on your Thanksgiving 2024 trip.
Why Thanksgiving Travel Costs More
High Demand Equals High Prices – Traveling for Thanksgiving 2024
Thanksgiving is one of the busiest travel periods in the U.S., and with high demand comes higher prices. Millions of Americans travel during this time, whether to visit family or take advantage of the long weekend to explore new destinations. This surge in demand, coupled with limited flight availability, results in higher airfare, making it critical to know when to book.
The Impact of Airline Scheduling
Airlines anticipate increased demand during holiday periods and adjust their schedules and pricing accordingly. This can make it seem like flights are more expensive across the board, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t deals to be found. By understanding the best times to book and when to fly, you can still find affordable airfare for Traveling for Thanksgiving 2024.
When Is the Best Time to Book for Thanksgiving 2024?
Key Findings from Google Flights’ 2024 Data
According to Google Flights, the best time to book your Thanksgiving 2024 flights is between 26 and 59 days before your departure. That’s roughly 4 to 8 weeks in advance. The sweet spot for the absolute cheapest flights is 45 days before departure, which falls in early October for Thanksgiving travelers.
If you book too early (several months in advance), you might not get the best deals, as airlines tend to release their lowest prices closer to the travel date. On the other hand, waiting until the last minute can also be risky, as prices usually spike the closer you get to Thanksgiving.
What Happens If You Wait?
It’s tempting to hold out for a last-minute deal, but for Thanksgiving travel, waiting too long can be a costly mistake. Google Flights data shows that prices start to rise sharply as Thanksgiving approaches, especially in the final two weeks before the holiday. If you haven’t booked your tickets by the beginning of November, you may end up paying significantly more.
To avoid overpaying, aim to book your flights no later than mid-October.
Cheapest Days to Fly for Thanksgiving 2024
Traveling for Thanksgiving 2024
Midweek Flights Offer the Best Value -Traveling for Thanksgiving 2024
If you’re flexible with your travel dates, you can save even more money. Historically, Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday are the cheapest days to fly, with Tuesday being the most affordable day according to Google Flights’ data. By flying on these days, you can save between 13% to 20% compared to flying on the weekend.
If possible, plan to depart on the Tuesday before Thanksgiving and return on the Tuesday or Wednesday after the holiday. This midweek strategy not only helps you save on airfare, but it also allows you to avoid the busiest travel days (such as the Wednesday before and the Sunday after Thanksgiving).
Avoid Flying on Sundays
According to Google Flights, Sunday is the most expensive day to fly. This holds true for both domestic and international flights. Many travelers try to squeeze in as much of the holiday weekend as possible, making Sunday one of the most popular (and therefore priciest) days to fly.
If your schedule allows, consider extending your trip a day or two past the holiday to save on return flights. Flying home on a Monday or Tuesday could save you a significant amount of money.
Do Layovers Help You Save?
The Benefits of Flights with Layovers
Nonstop flights are convenient, but they usually come at a premium. If you’re looking to save money, booking a flight with a layover can lead to significant cost savings. Google Flights data shows that travelers can save up to 25% by choosing flights with a layover instead of nonstop options.
Of course, layovers add time to your journey, so it’s important to weigh the potential savings against the inconvenience of a longer travel day. For some, the savings may be worth the extra time, especially if you’re traveling on a budget.
How to Find the Best Layover Deals
When searching for flights, look for layover options that don’t add too much extra travel time. A 2- to 3-hour layover is generally a good balance, allowing you to save money without spending an excessive amount of time in transit. Be sure to check the location of your layover airport as well – larger airports may have more amenities and things to do while you wait.
Best Days to Book Your Thanksgiving 2024 Flights
The Myth of Booking on Tuesdays
You may have heard that booking flights on Tuesdays is the key to getting the cheapest airfare. While there’s some truth to this, Google Flights data shows that the difference in price is minimal. In fact, tickets booked on Tuesdays are only 1.3% cheaper than those booked on the most expensive day, Sunday.
In other words, there’s no need to stress about booking on a specific day of the week. Focus instead on booking 45 days in advance to get the best prices.
Domestic vs. International Thanksgiving Travel
Booking Domestic Flights
For those traveling within the U.S., the best time to book Thanksgiving flights is between 21 and 52 days before departure. This window offers the best chance of finding lower prices, with 38 days out being the average cheapest day to book.
If you need to fly on a specific date or time, such as the day before Thanksgiving, it’s best to book closer to the 52-day mark to secure your preferred flights before prices rise.
Booking International Flights
If you’re planning on Traveling for Thanksgiving 2024 internationally, you’ll need to book even earlier. For international flights, the best deals are found 50 to 101 days before departure. Prices for international travel tend to stay relatively stable until the 50-day mark, at which point they begin to rise.
If you’re flying to Europe, Asia, or another international destination, aim to book your tickets as early as possible – ideally by mid-September.
Best Time to Book for Other Holidays in 2024
Christmas Travel
For those planning to travel during Christmas 2024, the best time to book flights is 36 to 72 days before your departure, with 58 days out offering the lowest prices. That means you should aim to book your Christmas flights in late October.
As with Thanksgiving, flying midweek is the best way to save on Christmas travel. Try to avoid flying on Fridays or Sundays, as these are the busiest and most expensive days.
Summer Travel
If you’re already thinking ahead to summer break in 2024, the best time to book flights for July and August is 13 to 43 days in advance. The absolute cheapest day to book summer flights is 21 days before departure.
Keep in mind that summer is a popular time for family vacations, so it’s a good idea to book earlier rather than later to secure the best deals.
Top Thanksgiving 2024 Destinations
Where Are People Going for Thanksgiving?
If you’re looking for destination inspiration for Traveling for Thanksgiving 2024, here are some of the most searched destinations according to Google Flights:
- Orlando, Florida: Perfect for families and home to world-famous theme parks.
- Cancun, Mexico: For those looking for a beach getaway and some sunshine.
- New York City: A classic Thanksgiving destination with the famous Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
- Tokyo, Japan: Popular for international travelers looking to explore a different culture during the holidays.
- London, UK: A great destination for those who want to experience history and festivities.
Each of these destinations offers something unique for Thanksgiving travelers, so consider one of these popular spots when planning your trip.
How to Make the Most of Black Friday Travel Deals
H2: Booking Travel Deals for Thanksgiving 2024
If you missed the optimal window to book your Thanksgiving 2024 flights, all hope is not lost. Black Friday (the day after Thanksgiving) is a great time to find last-minute travel deals. Many airlines and travel agencies offer Black Friday deals on flights, accommodations, and vacation packages.
Keep an eye on airline websites and travel deal platforms starting in mid-November. You may be able to score discounted flights or upgrades if you act quickly. Just remember, these deals go fast, so have your travel plans ready to book as soon as you see a good deal.
Final Tips for Thanksgiving 2024 Travel
Whether you’re flying across the country to visit family or jetting off to an international destination, planning ahead is the best way to save on your Thanksgiving 2024 travel.
Key Takeaways:
- Book 26 to 59 days in advance, with 45 days out offering the cheapest fares.
- Fly on Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday to save on airfare.
- Consider layover flights to save up to 25%.
- Don’t worry about booking on a specific day of the week – focus on how far in advance you’re booking.
- Look for Black Friday deals if you missed the optimal booking window.
Start planning your Thanksgiving 2024 travel today and enjoy the holiday season without breaking the bank!
