Thanksgiving book, Christmas air travel now, experts say

If you haven’t booked holiday travel plans for 2022, do so as soon as possible, say industry experts.

“Despite the chaos and cancellations on all major airlines this winter, now is still the best time to book a flight for the upcoming holiday season,” Phil Dengler, co-founder of travel website The Vacationer, told FOX Business.

According to Dengler, the best times to book vacation travel are June and July, though it’s still not too late to make a deal before prices go up. The earlier you book, the better your chances of consistently getting an early morning flight, Dengler said.

Travelers line up at a checkpoint in the main terminal of Denver International Airport on Thursday, May 26, 2022. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski, File/AP Newsroom)

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“Morning flights are much less likely to be canceled than afternoon or evening flights,” Dengler explained. “Having an itinerary with one or more connections also increases the chance of cancellations or delays, so I always recommend booking non-stop flights.”

Booking early gives you the chance to “save hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars,” according to Dengler.

Clint Henderson, managing editor of travel website The Points Guy, agrees that consumers should set Google Flight Tracker price alerts early for fall and holiday travel.

“According to travel booking website Hopper, prices for domestic flights have fallen by a quarter since the summer peak. The longer you wait to book those Christmas trips, the more likely you’ll pay,” Henderson said.

Security screening at Denver International Airport’s main terminal on August 24, 2021. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski/AP Newsroom)

However, as prices continue to rise, Henderson recommends cashing in travel points that have been set aside during the coronavirus pandemic.

For Thanksgiving, in particular, shoppers should plan to book by the late August or early September deadline. After Halloween, prices “go up dramatically,” according to Dengler.

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Starting Nov. 1, travelers should expect an average price increase of 40% to $400 for a round trip, Dengler added. During Thanksgiving week, shoppers should expect an additional 25% increase, pushing prices up to $500 on average for a round trip.

Meanwhile, last-minute international fares on Thanksgiving are estimated to average around $820, a 32 percent increase from before the hike.

Travelers move through security in the main terminal at Denver International Airport on Thursday, May 26, 2022. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski, File/AP Images)

For Christmas, the best time to sign up is before the big turkey feast. However, shoppers should plan to lock in rates in late August and early September.

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The best deals for Christmas domestic and international travel are around mid-September, which is roughly 90-100 days in advance. Dingler projects fares will increase an average of 7% to $460 for a round trip two weeks before Christmas. During the week of Christmas, cruise fares increase another 11% to an average of $510.

International travel prices begin to increase significantly around Thanksgiving, “so travelers should aim to book Christmas flights later than Thanksgiving to avoid the biggest price increases,” he said.

Air fares are expected to increase by 23 percent in December.

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However, consumers shouldn’t rush to book a hotel just yet, Henderson says.

“If you need a hotel, you might have to wait a little while to book those because the prices are high in the hotel space right now,” he added.