Book Holiday Flights Now—or Pay More Later: Google’s 2025 Travel Insights

Holiday travel demand is already picking up, and the best airfare deals will not last long. New data from Google outlines when to lock in tickets for Thanksgiving and Christmas 2025, which days of the week typically cost less, and where travelers are heading. Pair that with last season’s volume—tens of millions journeyed for both Thanksgiving and Christmas—and you have a clear message for 2025: waiting can cost you hundreds.

What We Learned From Last Year’s Holiday Surge

Americans traveled in huge numbers during the 2024 holiday season, and that momentum continues into 2025. With more people booking farther ahead and popular routes filling quickly, prices tend to climb as departure dates approach. Smart timing matters this year more than ever.

Best Time to Book for Thanksgiving

Google’s analysis finds the lowest Thanksgiving prices appear about 35 days before departure. You will usually find a “low-price range” from 24 to 59 days out, which puts the sweetest spot firmly in October for most travelers. If you plan to fly right before or right after the holiday, shop early and set fare alerts so you can snag a drop as soon as it appears.

Thanksgiving Destination Spotlight

Columbia, South Carolina, leads Thanksgiving travel interest for 2025. Expect competitive fares to sell out first on peak days, so flexible travelers should consider shoulder days and early morning departures to save more.

Best Time to Book for Christmas

For Christmas trips, Google points to the 51-day mark before departure as the lowest-price sweet spot. A broader low-price window spans 32 to 73 days out, which means many travelers will get the best deals when booking from mid-October through mid-November. If your dates are fixed around the holiday weekend, buy as soon as you see a reasonable fare rather than waiting for a perfect price that may not return.

Christmas Trend: Warm-Weather Wins

With colder weather on the way across much of the U.S., travelers are gravitating toward sunny escapes. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and St. Lucia are among the top trending international picks, and beach destinations generally show strong search interest for late December.

International Flights: Earlier Is Better

For trips abroad during the holidays, Google recommends booking about 49 days before departure. International routes often tighten earlier than domestic ones, and availability on nonstop flights can shrink quickly. If your plans include holiday weekend travel or school breaks, secure tickets as soon as you can commit to dates.

The Cheapest and Most Expensive Days to Book

Day of the week still matters. Google’s data shows Tuesday is typically the cheapest day to book, while Sunday tends to be the most expensive. Prices are not guaranteed, but shifting your purchase to an early-week day can make a meaningful difference, especially for families or groups buying multiple seats.

What Are Fares Doing Right Now?

Domestic airfare started 2025 on relatively steady footing. The average round-trip price in Q1 2025 was $397, a hair down 0.4% year over year, according to federal data. That baseline can still jump during the holidays, which is why timing your purchase is so important.

Practical Tips to Save on Holiday Flights

• Shop within the sweet spot. Aim for about 35 days out for Thanksgiving, and around 51 days for Christmas, keeping an eye on the broader low-price windows.
• Buy on a Tuesday when possible. Avoid Sunday purchases when prices often run higher.
• Search nearby airports. Consider metro-area alternatives and compare total trip time and transport costs.
• Be flexible on flight times. Early morning or late-night departures can be cheaper and less crowded.
• Lock in now, reprice later. Many airlines offer no-fee changes. If your fare drops, you may receive a credit for future travel.
• Use alerts and trackers. Set price alerts for your exact dates, plus one day on either side, to catch sudden dips.
• Book international earlier. For long-haul holiday trips, move faster than you would for domestic routes.

When Waiting Might Make Sense

If your dates are highly flexible, you can monitor fares for a short window before the recommended booking point. However, once within the low-price range, lingering too long can backfire. As seats sell, prices tend to rise and nonstop options disappear.

Bottom Line

Holiday airfare follows a familiar pattern: the best deals show up weeks—not days—before departure. For 2025, aim for October bookings for Thanksgiving and mid-October to mid-November for Christmas, with Tuesday purchases offering a typical price advantage. If you are heading abroad, think even earlier. With a plan and a few smart timing moves, you can keep more of your budget for what matters most during the holidays—where you go and who you see when you get there.

Follow us on MSN for all your travel and lifestyle tips.

This article was written by Hunter and edited with AI Assistance