Should I wait to buy plane tickets for Thanksgiving?


Should I wait to buy plane tickets for Thanksgiving? Thanksgiving flights will probably be cheapest around mid-September. Wait too long, and you might pay more, get stuck with an inconvenient layover or be forced to book basic economy (read: middle seat). Here are some tips to save on holiday travel this year, whether you're in the booking window or not.


Is it more expensive to travel on Thanksgiving?

Flights for Thanksgiving are expected to be about 12 percent more expensive than last year — and Christmas and New Year's are no better — but there are some days that are less pricey to travel on than others, according to a new study from CheapAir.com.


Should I book Thanksgiving flights now or wait?

“Most travelers book one or two months before Thanksgiving and still get an average ticket price. However, those who book closer to the holiday -- less than a month before -- get the best deals.


How far in advance should I book a flight to get the best deal?

When to Book Flights for Domestic Travel. According to a 2022 study by CheapAir.com, on average, the best time to purchase plane tickets for a domestic trip is about 76 days before your departure date. Keep in mind that this is an average — it doesn't mean you should log on exactly 76 days before travel.


Why are tuesdays cheaper for flights?

In the early days of online flight booking, airlines used to manually post their updated prices at a certain time of day each week. This led to the rise of the myth that the cheapest time to book a flight was on Tuesday (and specifically at 3am, many claimed).


What time of night do flight prices drop?

At midnight, fewer people travel and there is low last-minute reservation so to fill them, they release multiple offers. With these discounts, you can set aside some amount.


What day do flight prices drop?

The cheapest days to depart if you're flying within the U.S. are midweek — generally Tuesday or Wednesday. For economy tickets, Tuesdays are about 24% lower than peak prices on Sundays, which translates to savings of about $85 per ticket. The same is generally true for business class and first class travelers.


What time of day are flights cheapest?

More specifically, Tuesday at about 15:00 eastern time. This is because many airlines release weekly sales early on Tuesday, which creates competition between airlines to match prices.


Should I wait till last minute to book my flight?

Booking your flight as soon as you can nail down your plans may save you from paying even more days down the line. Within three or four weeks of departure, flight prices will likely only increase as your flight draws closer. Waiting for prices to drop again is a losing game.


Do flight prices go down on Tuesday?

Tuesdays and Wednesdays are the cheapest days to fly domestically. The cheapest days to depart if you're flying within the U.S. are midweek — generally Tuesday or Wednesday. For economy tickets, Tuesdays are about 24% lower than peak prices on Sundays, which translates to savings of about $85 per ticket.


What month is the cheapest to fly?

Is there a cheapest month to fly? If you're looking for a bargain month to travel, February is your best bet. Flights in January closely follow February for being most affordable. At the other end of the spectrum, December and July are the first and second most expensive months to travel, on average.