UPDATE: New data from Google reveals that travelers should book their holiday flights NOW or risk paying hundreds more later. With the holiday season fast approaching, this urgent advisory highlights the best times to secure flights for Thanksgiving and Christmas 2025.
As interest in travel surges, AAA projects that approximately 79.9 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles from home during the Thanksgiving holiday, while 119.3 million people are expected to travel for Christmas. The clock is ticking for those looking to avoid inflated prices.
For Thanksgiving, the optimal time to book is 35 days before departure, with the low-price window occurring between 24 and 59 days. Google advises, “If you want to fly right before or after Thanksgiving, you’ll probably find the cheapest options in October.”
When it comes to Christmas, travelers can find the best prices by booking 51 days ahead, with a recommended booking window of 32 to 73 days before departure, ideally between mid-October and mid-November.
Travelers eyeing international destinations should act early, as the best time to book is 49 days prior to departure. Data shows that the most expensive day to purchase flights is Sunday, while Tuesday is the most affordable.
The hottest Thanksgiving destination this year is Columbia, South Carolina, according to Google. Additionally, trending international locations include Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and St. Lucia.
As the colder months approach, many travelers are opting for warmer climates, with Google stating, “It’s no surprise that with colder temperatures on the horizon for many parts of the U.S., travelers are opting for palm trees over fir trees.”
Current data indicates that the average domestic round-trip airfare for early 2025 stands at $397, a slight decrease of 0.4% from the previous year, according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics.
With holiday travel now a pressing concern, prospective travelers are urged to act swiftly to secure the best deals and avoid the chaos of last-minute bookings. For more detailed insights, stay tuned to Google’s travel updates and prepare for a busy holiday season ahead.
