When to book your vacation trips and flights in 2024

If you want or need to travel this holiday season, start planning now because the ideal time to book travel for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's is fast approaching.

“The most important thing is that travelers continue to think about planning now and booking in October,” said Hayley Berg, senior economist at travel website Hopper. “The window of low prices is short, but it can really pay off.”

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But travelers who miss this window may still have one last option: Travel Tuesday, the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, Black Friday and Cyber ​​​​Monday.

On this day, “virtually the entire travel industry is on sale,” said Berg.

Whenever you decide to confirm your reservations, keep in mind that traveling during the holiday season can be fraught with complications, says Sally French, travel expert at NerdWallet.

“The holidays are a difficult time to travel because not only are you likely to have to deal with harsher holiday weather, but you’re also dealing with larger crowds,” says French.

This will ensure that you get good value for money.

Compared to the same period last year, prices for holiday trips are slightly higher, said Berg.

On average, round-trip flights for Thanksgiving – defined as departures Nov. 24-28 – currently cost about $298, according to Hopper's 2024 Holiday Travel Outlook report. That's 10% higher than a year ago and 3% higher than before the pandemic, the travel website noted.

Prices are expected to fall by about $40 on average until they reach their lowest point in early October and then likely settle at 2023 levels, the report said.

Likewise, according to Hopper, airfares for Christmas travel – defined as the week of December 21-25 – average $406 per round-trip booking, up 4% year-over-year and 13% from pre-pandemic times.

However, according to the report, prices are likely to fall by about $80 from current levels before reaching their low point in October.

“It’s really important for travelers to think about booking their trip now so they’re ready when October approaches,” Berg said.

If you want to “book something super last minute for Christmas or New Year’s Eve,” according to Berg, “December 3rd or this year’s Travel Tuesday is a good day to remember.”

“You might be lucky and be able to grab something at the last minute,” says Berg, as there are often big discounts on hotel stays, flights and rental cars on this day.

Disruptions are more likely during the holiday season because airlines and airports operate more flights than usual and greater congestion can lead to a “domino effect,” experts say.

For example, if a flight is 15 minutes late departing from the gate, it can disrupt the flow of air traffic in an entire terminal, Berg said.

However, the “biggest risks” are usually severe weather and technical problems, she said.

You should consider the following four important aspects:

• Avoid flying on peak days. For example, experts recommend avoiding the Sundays before and after Thanksgiving. In recent years, the Sunday after Thanksgiving has been the busiest day for flights or a record day for the number of travelers going through TSA checkpoints, French said.

• Take the first flight of the day. Try to book one of the first flights of the day, as this will help you avoid delays and cancellations, says Berg. After 8 a.m., you're twice as likely to be affected by flight delays or cancellations, she says.

• Allow time for delays and cancellations. If it's absolutely necessary for you to be at your destination, “allow extra time for travel” and travel a few days in advance, French advises. “If it's really important that you get there for Christmas dinner, fly a few days early,” she advises.

• Expand your search. It can be helpful to know what other airports are nearby, French said. Knowing other airports can help you find cheaper options. While it might be a longer drive to your destination, it may make sense if you absolutely have to get there, she said.