Timing is key when booking flights for summer and holiday travel. Airlines adjust prices based on demand, seat availability, and competition, making it crucial to book during the “sweet spot” to avoid paying a premium. Here’s what you need to know:
- Summer Flights: Book 3–6 months ahead for June and July. Mid-August sees lower prices as demand drops.
- Holiday Flights: Thanksgiving flights are best booked 36–74 days in advance, while Christmas/New Year flights should be secured 51–58 days ahead.
- Cheapest Days to Fly: Tuesdays and Wednesdays often cost 10–20% less than weekends.
- Shoulder Seasons: May and September offer fewer crowds and up to 30% savings compared to peak summer months.
- International vs. Domestic: Domestic flights are best booked 1–3 months in advance, while international travel requires 2–8 months of planning.
Flexibility with dates, midweek travel, and alternative airports can lead to even greater savings. Start early, plan smart, and consider tools like flight deal alerts for the best results.
When to Book Summer Flights
Summer travel, especially in June and July, tends to get pricey fast. Airlines are well aware that families plan trips around school vacations, and they price tickets accordingly. The sweet spot for booking these flights? Three to six months in advance. So, if you’re planning a June getaway, start shopping for tickets as early as March.
August, however, tells a different story. Once mid-August hits and Southern schools are back in session, demand drops, and so do prices. On average, international flights in August cost about $1,224, which is over $180 less than June fares. Domestic flights also see a dip, averaging around $424.
If you’re flexible, consider flying midweek (Tuesday or Wednesday). Midweek departures can save you an extra 12% to 20% compared to weekend flights. During peak summer months, that could mean saving over $60 per ticket.
Next, let’s look at the busiest travel dates to help you pinpoint when prices soar.
Busy Summer Travel Dates
The most expensive and in-demand travel periods fall between late May and early August, with prices spiking significantly around June 5 and reaching their peak by June 23. These dates align with school breaks and the July 4th holiday, giving travelers fewer options and airlines the upper hand. If you’re eyeing these dates, start your search early to lock in lower fares before the cheapest tickets are gone.
During peak periods, airlines often add extra flights to popular destinations, which sometimes results in last-minute flash sales. But don’t count on these deals – they’re unpredictable and disappear quickly. Waiting for a sale during high-demand weeks can be risky.
For those with flexible schedules, flying after August 22 can lead to noticeable savings on domestic routes. If you’re heading to Europe, keep an eye on July 14 and August 13, when prices on international routes often drop. These dates are perfect for travelers looking to stick to a budget.
If these peak dates don’t work for you, consider traveling during shoulder periods for better deals and fewer crowds.
Benefits of Traveling in May or September
Want to skip the crowds and save money? Plan your trip for May or September. Traveling just before or after the peak summer season can slash your costs by up to 30% while still offering great weather. May is particularly appealing, with warm temperatures across the U.S. and Europe, minus the July tourist rush. September is even better – kids are back in school, but destinations like beach towns, national parks, and European cities still enjoy pleasant weather.
Flying during these shoulder months also means shorter lines at attractions, easier restaurant reservations, and less competition for hotel rooms. You’ll enjoy a more relaxed vacation while spending significantly less. Plus, if you’re traveling in May or September, you can often book flights just 1–3 months in advance, unlike the longer booking window required for peak summer trips.
For even more savings, try using airline “explore” or “anywhere” search tools to find destinations with lower-than-average demand. This approach works especially well in late August, when some routes see unexpected price drops due to changing travel patterns.
How to Book Holiday Flights
Booking holiday flights requires a solid game plan. Airlines know that Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s are peak travel seasons, so ticket prices tend to climb. The trick? Book early and steer clear of the most expensive travel days.
Thanksgiving Flight Booking
For Thanksgiving, the sweet spot to book is 36–74 days in advance, with 52 days being the ideal target. For Thanksgiving 2026, aim to book by mid-September. In 2025, the average cost for domestic Thanksgiving flights hit $751 for a round trip, which was a 10% jump from the previous year.
The priciest day to travel is the Wednesday before Thanksgiving. If you’re looking to save, consider flying on Thanksgiving morning itself and returning on Saturday morning. This strategy could save you anywhere from 15% to 30% compared to the peak travel days. Sure, leaving on Thanksgiving morning might make for a hectic start to the holiday, but it comes with the perks of lower costs and less crowded airports.
Another tip: Avoid flying back on the Sunday after Thanksgiving, as it’s historically one of the most expensive and chaotic travel days. Instead, plan your return for Monday or Tuesday to save money and avoid the crowds.
A similar early booking strategy works for Christmas and New Year travel as well.
Christmas and New Year Flight Planning
For domestic Christmas and New Year flights, book 51–58 days ahead, and for international trips, aim for 6–12 weeks in advance. In 2025, the average cost of a domestic round-trip Christmas flight was $685. Waiting until the last 21 days before departure could add $100 to $200 to your ticket price.
Here’s a quick reference for the best times to book holiday flights:
| Holiday Period | Domestic Booking Window | International Booking Window |
|---|---|---|
| Thanksgiving | 36–74 days (5–10.5 weeks) | 6–10 weeks |
| Christmas/New Year | 51–58 days (7–8 weeks) | 6–12 weeks |
Flying on Christmas Day itself can save you 15% to 30%. Since many people prefer to be home by Christmas morning, flights on December 25th tend to be less crowded and cheaper. The same rule applies to New Year’s Day. Adjusting your travel schedule to include these less popular dates can help you save money and avoid the busiest travel times.
Be mindful of peak travel days like the Saturday before and after Christmas, as prices are typically inflated. Shifting your travel plans by just a day or two can make a noticeable difference in cost without cutting into your vacation time.
Domestic vs. International Booking Windows
Booking your flights at the right time can make a big difference in cost, and the timing varies depending on whether you’re traveling domestically or internationally. For most domestic trips, aim to book your flights 1–3 months in advance, while international trips typically require 2–8 months of planning. During peak travel seasons, these windows extend – domestic flights should be booked 3–5 months ahead, and international flights 4–10 months prior. Let’s take a closer look at these booking windows and the factors that influence them.
Booking Window Comparison
Planning for domestic travel generally requires less lead time compared to international trips. Here’s a quick breakdown of the recommended booking windows:
| Flight Type | Standard Window | Peak Summer/Holiday Window |
|---|---|---|
| Domestic (US) | 1–3 months | 3–5 months |
| International | 2–8 months | 4–10 months |
The destination also plays a major role in determining the best time to book. For trips to Mexico and the Caribbean, the sweet spot is 37–87 days before departure, with the lowest prices typically appearing around 59 days out. If you’re heading to Europe, plan to book 3–6 months in advance for regular travel, or 6–9 months ahead for summer trips. For Asia and Oceania, longer planning is key – 5–7 months for standard travel and 7–10 months during peak seasons.
But timing isn’t everything – other factors can also impact flight prices.
What Affects Booking Timing
On high-traffic domestic routes, like New York City to Miami, competition among airlines helps keep prices relatively stable. With over 60 daily flights on this route, you’re less likely to see dramatic price spikes. However, international routes often have fewer nonstop options, giving airlines more control over pricing. For example, a route like Texas to New Zealand has limited flight availability, which can result in higher fares as the departure date nears.
Special events can also drive up demand – and prices. Major happenings like the Olympics, the World Cup, or large festivals often require booking 6–12 months in advance to secure reasonable fares.
Understanding these booking windows and external factors can help you save on airfare while ensuring you snag the flights you need.
How to Save More on Flights
Once you’ve nailed down the best booking windows, there are additional strategies to help you cut flight costs even further. Factors like the day you book, when you travel, and even the airport you choose can have a big impact on ticket prices. Small adjustments to your plans can lead to noticeable savings.
Best Days to Book and Fly
For cheaper flights, aim for midweek departures. Flying on a Tuesday or Wednesday can cost 10–20% less compared to busier days, with an average savings of about 13% compared to weekends. If your schedule allows, shifting your trip by just a day or two to avoid high-demand travel days can make a big difference in your budget.
Adjusting Dates and Airports
Flexibility is your best friend when it comes to finding lower fares. Shifting your travel dates by a few days, especially to avoid weekends, can help you snag cheaper tickets. Traveling during the shoulder seasons – spring and fall – can also save you up to 30% compared to the peak summer months, all while enjoying pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
Another money-saving tip? Consider flying out of alternative airports. Smaller, secondary airports near major cities often have less demand and more competition from budget airlines, which can drive prices down. If you’re okay with a slightly longer drive – say, 30 to 60 minutes – or taking a connecting flight, you might find significantly cheaper fares. Keep in mind that nonstop flights tend to cost about 20% more than those with at least one layover. Adding a connection could be a smart way to stretch your travel dollars.
Getting Flight Deal Alerts from Dollar Flight Club
Want to automate your savings? Dollar Flight Club can do the heavy lifting for you. They send email and SMS alerts whenever discounted flights or mistake fares pop up. With deals offering up to 90% off domestic and international routes, members often save hundreds of dollars per ticket – perfect for pairing with the booking strategies mentioned earlier.
Dollar Flight Club offers three membership tiers: Basic (free), Premium ($69/year), and Premium+ ($99/year). The Basic plan provides 1–3 weekly domestic economy flight deals from a single departure airport. Premium steps it up with daily deals for both domestic and international economy flights from up to four airports, including mistake fares. Premium+ takes it even further, offering business and first-class alerts, SMS notifications, and exclusive member-only deals.
Conclusion
Planning ahead is your best bet for snagging lower airfares. For domestic flights, aim to book 1–3 months in advance, while international trips are best secured 3–5 months before departure. Missing these windows can be costly – once you’re within 21 days of your departure date, the cheapest fare classes often disappear, and prices tend to rise sharply.
Once you’ve locked in your booking window, staying flexible with your travel plans can make a big difference. Flying midweek, for example, often comes with lower prices. Similarly, considering alternative airports or adding a layover might involve a bit more effort but can result in substantial savings. Even traveling on the actual holiday – like Christmas Day or Thanksgiving Day – can cut costs by 15% to 30% compared to the surrounding days.
The earlier booking tips for holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas ensure you avoid last-minute price spikes and secure your seat during those busy travel periods.
For those who want to streamline the process, Dollar Flight Club is a helpful tool. It offers alerts for discounts of up to 90% off and even has free membership options. Pairing these alerts with the strategies mentioned above gives you a solid plan to save on summer and holiday travel.
FAQs
When should I book international flights for summer vacations?
When looking for the best prices on international flights during summer, try booking your tickets 3 to 5 months in advance – roughly 90 to 150 days before your trip. This window is ideal for avoiding those steep last-minute fare hikes while locking in better deals.
Booking early doesn’t just save you money; it also gives you access to a wider range of flight options, making your travel plans much easier to manage.
What’s the best way to save money on flights for Thanksgiving and Christmas?
Timing and flexibility can make a big difference when it comes to saving on holiday flights. For Thanksgiving travel, the sweet spot for booking tickets is mid-to-late October, roughly 45–60 days before your trip. If you’re planning for Christmas, aim to secure your tickets 32–73 days in advance, which usually means booking between mid-October and early November. Sticking to these timelines can help you sidestep those dreaded price hikes.
Flying on less popular days, like Tuesday, Wednesday, or even Thanksgiving Day itself, can lead to substantial savings. Being flexible with your travel dates or choosing nearby airports can also shave hundreds off your airfare. Don’t forget to take advantage of loyalty points or airline miles to cut down on costs. And whatever you do, avoid procrastinating – ticket prices tend to skyrocket in the three weeks leading up to departure.
What are the advantages of traveling during shoulder seasons like May or September?
Traveling during shoulder seasons like May or September comes with some great perks. For starters, airfares are usually 10–20% cheaper than what you’d pay during the busy summer months. With fewer people flying, airlines often lower their rates to fill seats. And it’s not just about saving money – airports are less chaotic, and sightseeing feels way more relaxed without the usual crowds.
Another bonus? The weather. These months often bring milder temperatures, making it easier to explore without dealing with the sweltering summer heat. You’ll also have more options when it comes to flight times and seat choices. Choosing to travel during these quieter periods can stretch your budget further while giving you a more laid-back and enjoyable trip.
