Best Time To Buy Plane Tickets For Christmas Travel
Christmas is around the corner, and many people are already planning their Christmas travels to visit family and friends. However, with the holiday season comes a spike in airfare prices, making it more challenging to book an affordable flight ticket. The good news is that there are ways to save money on airfare, and one of those ways is by knowing the best time to buy Christmas travel tickets. In this article, we will discuss the ideal time to buy plane tickets for Christmas travel, how to get better deals, and what factors affect airfare prices during the holiday season.
Factors Affecting Airfare Prices During Christmas Season Travel
Before we delve into the best time to buy plane tickets, it is vital to understand the factors influencing airfare prices when traveling during the Christmas season. The holiday season is one of the busiest and most expensive times of the year to travel, which means that airfares tend to be higher than usual. This is because airlines know that there is a high demand for flights during this season, and they take advantage of that to maximize their profits.
The following are the most common factors that affect airfare prices during Christmas season travel:
- Travel destination - The cost of airfare tickets fluctuates depending on your destination. If you are traveling to a popular destination, the prices are likely to be higher.
- Time of booking - The earlier you book your flight, the better deal you are likely to get. Waiting until the last minute is the most expensive way to travel during the Christmas season.
- Time of travel - If you can be flexible with your travel dates, avoid traveling on peak days such as Christmas Eve and the day after Christmas. Plan to travel on weekdays, as airfare prices tend to be lower than on weekends.
- Number of layovers - The more layovers you have, the cheaper your flight tickets are likely to be. However, this also means that you will spend more time in transit and may have to deal with connecting flights.
Knowing these factors is crucial as it helps you make informed decisions when booking your Christmas travel.
The Best Time to Buy Christmas Travel Tickets
According to travel experts, the best time to buy Christmas travel tickets is about 60 days before the travel date. This means that you should plan to book your flights by early November if you are traveling during the Christmas season. By doing so, you will avoid last-minute price surges and ensure that you get the best deals possible.
It is important to note that airfare prices tend to fluctuate frequently, and it can be hard to determine the exact time to book your Christmas travel. However, if you cannot book your flight 60 days in advance, try to avoid booking within two weeks of your travel date, as prices are likely to be much higher during this period. Also, consider booking your flights on weekdays and at non-peak travel times for better deals.
How to Get Better Deals on Christmas Travel Tickets
The following are some tips to help you get better deals when booking your Christmas travel:
- Use fare comparison websites - There are many websites that allow you to compare prices from different airlines. Use them to find the best deals on airfare tickets.
- Join loyalty programs - Airlines offer loyalty programs that allow you to collect points every time you fly. These points can be redeemed for free flights or discounts on future flights.
- Use travel credit cards - Travel credit cards offer cashback rewards, which can be used to pay for flights and other travel expenses.
- Be flexible with your travel dates - As mentioned earlier, traveling on weekdays and at non-peak times can save you a significant amount on airfare tickets.
Conclusion
Booking flights during the Christmas season can be expensive, but with proper planning and research, you can save money on airfare tickets. Remember to book your flights at least 60 days in advance, use fare comparison websites, consider joining loyalty programs, and use travel credit cards to get better deals. Avoid peak travel times and be flexible with your travel dates to save more money. By following these tips, you can enjoy your Christmas travels without breaking the bank.
