Ready to book that holiday trip but worried about skyrocketing prices? Don’t worry—Google Flights has you covered.
With the holiday season just around the corner, Google has unveiled two game-changing tools that will help you score the best deals on flights without sacrificing your plans.
Timing Is Everything: Google’s Guide to Booking Smart
We all know that booking flights can feel like a gamble—one minute the price looks great, and the next, it’s through the roof. Luckily, Google Flights has done the homework for you. Their recent study highlights the best dates to book flights for major holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and even spring break. It turns out there’s a sweet spot for locking in those low fares, and it’s all about timing.
For Thanksgiving, the magic number is 45 days before your flight, which means October 14 was your best bet for scoring affordable tickets this year. But don’t panic! If you missed that date, you’ve still got a window—between 26 and 59 days before takeoff—to snag a deal. Popular spots like Orlando, New York, and Cancun top the list of most-searched destinations, so if you’re eyeing a warm getaway or a city break, keep these dates in mind.
For Christmas, aim for October 28 to get the best prices, with savings waiting for you between 36 and 72 days out. And if you’re planning ahead for spring break, circle your calendar for 44 days before departure. Europe-bound? The best time to book is 94 days in advance, but anything over 50 days out can still offer a good deal.
Introducing the “Cheapest” Tab: Travel Hacks for the Budget-Conscious
Here’s where things get even better. Google Flights has just rolled out a brand-new “Cheapest” tab, and trust us—it’s about to become your best friend. This feature is perfect for travelers who are willing to get a little creative with their routes to save a bundle.
Instead of just showing you the most convenient flights, the “Cheapest” tab digs deeper to find the absolute lowest-priced options. You might need to make a few sacrifices—longer layovers, self-transfers, or booking through multiple airlines—but if saving money is your top priority, this is the way to go.
For example, imagine you’re flying from New York to Vancouver. While the standard search might suggest a $350 flight with a stop in Calgary, the “Cheapest” tab might show you an alternative through Atlanta for just $284. That’s $66 you could be spending on your trip instead!
This feature is particularly handy for holiday travel when prices tend to surge. By using the “Cheapest” tab, you can cut down on costs without missing out on the chance to visit family, explore new places, or take that much-needed vacation.
Combine Forces for Maximum Savings
The real magic happens when you combine both tools. If you’re looking to book a holiday trip, start by checking Google’s recommended booking windows to time your purchase right. Then, hop over to the “Cheapest” tab and see if you can find any creative routes that might offer even bigger savings.
Let’s say you’re booking a Christmas trip to Miami. Google recommends booking around October 28, but by checking the “Cheapest” tab, you might discover an option that involves flying into a nearby airport or making a self-transfer that saves you even more money.
Ready to Book?
So, whether you’re planning a holiday escape to a tropical paradise, a European adventure, or simply a visit to family, Google Flights’ latest tools are here to help. By combining the insights from their holiday travel study with the budget-friendly “Cheapest” tab, you’ll be well on your way to scoring the best deals and making your travel dreams come true.
Happy travels—and don’t forget to share your holiday booking hacks with us!