The Ultimate Guide to Booking Thanksgiving Flights

Thanksgiving is one of the busiest travel periods of the year, and booking flights during this time can be overwhelming. Whether you’re visiting family or taking a holiday getaway, securing the right flight at the best price takes a bit of strategy. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to book your Thanksgiving flights with ease and confidence.

Why Thanksgiving Flights Are So Expensive

Thanksgiving falls at the end of November, which makes it one of the busiest travel windows of the year. Airlines take advantage of this high demand by raising their prices, knowing that people are more willing to pay a premium to see family or go on holiday. Combine this with limited seat availability and fewer discount promotions, and you get a surge in flight prices during Thanksgiving week.

When Is the Best Time to Book Thanksgiving Flights?

Timing is everything when it comes to booking Thanksgiving flights. Generally, it’s best to start looking at flights in late September or early October, as prices tend to rise significantly after the second week of October. Booking too late can leave you with few options, but booking too early might mean you miss out on potential deals.

Pro Tip:

Set up flight price alerts on your preferred travel site in early September. This way, you’ll be notified as soon as prices drop.

Should You Book Early or Wait for Deals?

It can be tempting to hold off on booking in hopes of snagging a last-minute deal, but this approach can backfire during peak travel times like Thanksgiving. While deals do sometimes pop up, prices are more likely to increase as the holiday approaches. If you see a reasonable fare a month or two before Thanksgiving, it’s usually a good idea to lock it in.

The Importance of Being Flexible with Travel Dates

If you have some wiggle room with your travel dates, you can save a lot of money. Flying on off-peak days, such as the Monday or Tuesday before Thanksgiving or the Friday after, can offer significant savings compared to the most popular travel days, like the Wednesday before and the Sunday after Thanksgiving.

How to Find the Cheapest Days to Fly Around Thanksgiving

Some days are notoriously more expensive to fly around Thanksgiving. To avoid the steepest prices:

Fly early: Traveling a few days before Thanksgiving or after the holiday weekend can result in lower fares.

Return late: Extending your return flight beyond the typical Sunday after Thanksgiving can help you avoid higher prices.

Use tools like Google Flights or Skyscanner to track fare trends and find the most affordable days to travel.

The Pros and Cons of Booking Directly with Airlines vs. Third-Party Sites

When booking your Thanksgiving flight, you’ll have the choice of going directly through an airline or using a third-party travel site. Each option has its benefits:

Booking directly with airlines: Easier to manage changes, cancellations, and customer service.

Third-party sites (like Expedia, Orbitz): Often have exclusive deals but may offer limited flexibility with changes.

For such a busy travel time, booking directly with the airline can save you a headache if you need to modify your plans.

Tips for Avoiding Price Increases After Booking

Once you’ve booked your flight, you might worry that prices will drop afterward. Here’s how to avoid that frustration:

Use price drop protection tools: Some credit cards or third-party booking sites offer price protection, refunding the difference if the fare drops.

Check fare policies: Certain airlines, like Southwest, don’t charge change fees, which allows you to rebook at a lower price if fares go down.

How to Use Points and Miles for Thanksgiving Flights

If you’ve accumulated travel rewards points or miles, Thanksgiving is a great time to redeem them. Booking with points can save you significant cash, but seats can be limited, so it’s best to book well in advance. Be sure to compare the cash price of the flight against the points redemption value to ensure you’re getting a good deal.

Choosing the Right Airline for Thanksgiving Travel

Not all airlines are created equal, especially during peak travel times. When choosing an airline, consider factors such as:

On-time performance: Airlines with better track records for timely departures and arrivals can reduce holiday travel stress.

Baggage policies: Airlines like Southwest offer free checked bags, while others may charge high fees for checked luggage.

Conclusion

Booking Thanksgiving flights may seem daunting, but with the right strategies, you can navigate the holiday travel chaos with ease. By being flexible, booking early, and using tools like price alerts and rewards points, you can save money and avoid unnecessary stress. Remember to plan for potential delays, understand your airline’s baggage policies, and consider travel insurance to safeguard your holiday plans.