The cheapest days to book your Thanksgiving flights revealed

It’s never too early to start planning for Thanksgiving. An estimated 80 million Americans traveled over the holiday period in 2024, setting a new record. That included roughly 5.8 million people who flew within the United States, according to data from the American Automobile Association (AAA).

Travel demand expected to remain high

Those numbers are expected to be matched, if not surpassed, in 2025. Airlines are once again likely to take advantage of strong demand by raising prices.

Luckily, Google Flights’ 2025 Travel Trends report offers a helping hand, analyzing data from airlines and travel agencies to pinpoint the best times to book and save money.

When to book for Thanksgiving 2025

For Thanksgiving this year, Google says the “low price range” is typically found when booking between 24 and 59 days before departure, with the cheapest fares historically appearing 35 days out.

Thanksgiving 2025 falls on November 27. If you plan to travel one to three days before the holiday (November 24-26), the cheapest booking window is expected to be October 20-22, depending on your exact travel date.

Flying on Thanksgiving Day itself will likely be the least expensive option, although it cuts into family time and carries risks if flights are delayed or canceled. If you choose to travel on November 27, the best day to book is October 23.

Christmas travel requires earlier bookings

It’s worth noting that 35 days is not a universal sweet spot. The optimal time to book depends on the season, and the occasion.

For Christmas, Google Flights recommends securing tickets 32 to 73 days before departure, with the lowest prices typically 51 days out.

For example, if you plan to fly on December 22, booking on November 4 could yield the best deal. Travelers should adjust by a day or two on either side depending on their preferred travel date.

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