Travellers planning a getaway for Thanksgiving, Christmas or New Year’s may want to start looking for flights sooner rather than later, as new data from Google Flights reveals the best times to book tickets at lower prices.
According to Google’s latest analysis, published on 5 October 2026, the cheapest booking windows vary depending on the destination and time of year. The findings are based on five years of aggregated Google Flights data covering departures from the United States.
For Thanksgiving, which falls on 26 November this year, domestic airfares tend to reach their lowest levels around 34 days before departure. The most affordable booking window generally falls between 21 and 57 days in advance, making October a particularly good month to secure cheaper tickets.
Christmas travellers, meanwhile, should consider booking even earlier than in previous years. Google’s research found that the lowest fares typically appear 56 days before departure, five days earlier than last year. The best booking window ranges from 33 to 67 days ahead of travel, with late October to mid-November offering the greatest opportunities for savings.
For domestic flights throughout the year, the lowest average prices are generally available 39 days before departure, within a broader window of 22 to 57 days. International flights, however, tend to be cheapest around 89 days in advance, although Google advises travellers to book early rather than wait for potential price reductions.
Travellers heading to Europe should also plan ahead, as fares typically reach their lowest levels around three months before departure. Those considering Mexico or the Caribbean have slightly more flexibility, with prices tending to bottom out around 43 days before travel, according to Google Flights data.
Beyond booking dates, choosing when to fly can make a significant difference. Google’s findings suggest that travelling during the week rather than at weekends can reduce ticket prices by approximately 14%. Domestic travellers may save as much as 20% compared with those flying on Sundays.
Another way to reduce costs is to consider connecting flights instead of direct services. According to Google, nonstop flights are approximately 20% more expensive on average than itineraries involving a connection.
However, travellers hoping to save money by purchasing tickets on a particular weekday may be disappointed. Google’s analysis found that the day a flight is booked has little impact on the final price, making travel dates and booking windows more important factors.
The company also recommends using Google Flights’ price-tracking tools to monitor fare changes and compare current prices with historical trends. Travellers with fixed dates are encouraged to book early, while those with more flexibility may benefit from adjusting their departure dates or considering alternative routes.
With the holiday season approaching, Google’s central advice is that travellers should not leave their bookings until the last minute if they want to secure affordable fares.
