Best Time To Buy Airline Tickets For Thanksgiving Travel
Thanksgiving is one of the busiest travel periods of the year in the United States. It's a time when families gather together to enjoy a delicious meal and spend quality time with one another. For many people, traveling home for Thanksgiving is an annual tradition, but it can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to finding affordable airline tickets.
In this article, we'll walk you through the best time to buy airline tickets for Thanksgiving travel, so you can save money and enjoy a stress-free journey home.
Book in Advance
The simplest and most effective way to save money on Thanksgiving air travel is to book your tickets in advance. Typically, the earlier you book, the cheaper the fare. If you're planning to travel for Thanksgiving, it's a good idea to book your flights at least six weeks in advance.
Keep in mind that airlines release their schedules and fares approximately 11 months in advance. As soon as you know your travel dates, start searching for flights and book as soon as possible to avoid paying higher fares.
Travel on Thanksgiving Day
If you're looking to save money on Thanksgiving travel, consider flying on the day of the holiday itself. Most people prefer to fly the day before Thanksgiving, creating a higher demand for tickets and driving up prices. In contrast, fewer people travel on Thanksgiving Day, which means you're more likely to get a better deal.
Additionally, flying on Thanksgiving Day can save you time and hassle. You'll avoid traffic and crowds at the airport, making for a smoother and more relaxed travel experience.
Fly on Tuesday or Wednesday
If you're unable to fly on Thanksgiving Day, consider flying on Tuesday or Wednesday before the holiday. These are typically the cheapest days to fly during the Thanksgiving travel period.
The Wednesday before Thanksgiving is the busiest travel day of the year, so if you can fly on Tuesday instead, you'll save money and avoid the crowds. If you can't fly on either of these days, try to avoid flying on the Friday or Saturday after Thanksgiving, as these are also popular travel days and can be expensive.
Use Price Comparison Websites
When it comes to finding the best deals on airline tickets for Thanksgiving travel, price comparison websites can be a valuable tool. These websites search multiple airlines and travel websites to find the lowest fares.
Some popular price comparison websites include Kayak, Skyscanner, and Google Flights. These websites allow you to compare prices across multiple airlines and dates, making it easier to find the best deal.
Be Flexible
Flexibility is key when it comes to finding affordable Thanksgiving airfare. If possible, be flexible with your travel dates and times. Consider flying in the early morning or late evening, as these flights are often cheaper than midday flights.
You can also be flexible with your travel destination. If you're unable to find affordable flights to your hometown, consider flying to a nearby city and then driving or taking public transportation to your final destination.
Conclusion
Thanksgiving is a special time of year, and traveling to be with family and loved ones is an important part of the holiday experience. While finding affordable airline tickets for Thanksgiving travel can seem like a daunting task, there are ways to save money and make the process less stressful.
By booking in advance, traveling on Thanksgiving Day or Tuesday/Wednesday, using price comparison websites, and being flexible with your dates and destination, you can find affordable airfare and enjoy a smooth and stress-free Thanksgiving travel experience.
