This Is the Date You Should Book Your Holiday Flights by, According to Hopper

Hopper's Predictions: When to Secure Your Holiday Flights

Hopper’s data reveals key trends that can help you navigate the often-turbulent world of airline ticket prices. Their analysis focuses on the sweet spots – the periods where prices are most likely to be at their lowest. Forget endless price tracking; Hopper provides a clear roadmap to potentially significant savings on your Christmas flights, Thanksgiving flights, and other festive season journeys.

Let's delve into the specifics of Hopper's recommendations, broken down by holiday.

Thanksgiving Flights: Timing is Everything

For Thanksgiving, Hopper suggests booking earlier than you might think. Waiting until the last minute can be a costly mistake. While booking too far in advance isn't ideal, there's a definite window of opportunity.

Here's a detailed breakdown:

Christmas Flights: The Early Bird Gets the Worm

Christmas, being one of the most popular travel periods, requires an even more proactive approach. According to Hopper, booking your Christmas flights in August is the optimal strategy. Waiting until the fall can result in significantly higher fares.

New Year Flights: Don't Delay Booking

For New Year holiday flights, the best time to book is in September or early October. Prices will start to rise as the holiday season approaches.

Beyond Booking Dates: Additional Tips for Saving on Holiday Flights

While knowing the optimal booking dates is crucial, there are other strategies you can employ to maximize your savings on holiday airfare:

• Be Flexible with Your Travel Dates: Flying on less popular days, such as Thanksgiving Day itself or Christmas Day, can often result in significant discounts. Consider flying early in the morning or late at night for even more savings.
• Consider Alternative Airports: If you live near multiple airports, compare prices at each one. Smaller, regional airports often have lower fees and charges, which can translate into cheaper flights.
• Set Price Alerts: Utilize flight comparison websites or apps like Hopper to set up price alerts for your desired routes. You'll receive notifications when prices drop, allowing you to jump on a good deal.
• Be Open to Connecting Flights: Non-stop flights are convenient, but they often come with a premium price tag. Consider connecting flights, even if they add a bit of travel time, to potentially save a substantial amount of money.
• Consider Budget Airlines: Weigh the pros and cons. Budget airlines offer lower base fares, but often charge extra for things like checked baggage, seat selection, and even snacks. If you can travel light and are flexible with your seating, a budget airline could be a good option.

Don't Wait Too Long for Airline Tickets

Ultimately, planning ahead is key to securing affordable holiday flights. While there's no guarantee that prices will always follow historical trends, Hopper's data provides valuable insights into when you're most likely to find the best deals. By following their recommendations and employing additional cost-saving strategies, you can increase your chances of flying home for the holidays without breaking the bank. Start planning your holiday travel now to enjoy a stress-free and affordable festive season.