Your Ultimate Guide to Scoring Cheap Thanksgiving Flights in 2025

To really nail down those cheap Thanksgiving flights, you should be aiming for the sweet spot in early to mid-October for domestic travel. Look, holiday travel can be a real headache, right? Especially when you’re trying to figure out the best time to book those Thanksgiving flights without breaking the bank. It feels like airlines are always playing a game of chicken with prices, and it’s easy to get caught paying way too much. But don’t sweat it! We’re going to break down exactly when to hit that “book now” button, what days are cheapest to fly, and some smart tricks to make sure your holiday travel is as smooth and affordable as possible. Whether you’re heading across the country for a big family dinner or planning a quiet getaway, understanding these patterns is your secret weapon. This isn’t about guessing. it’s about using solid data and expert advice to get you where you need to go without feeling like you just bought a new car instead of a plane ticket. Let’s get you ready for a stress-free and budget-friendly holiday season!

The Sweet Spot for Booking Domestic Thanksgiving Flights

Alright, let’s talk about the big one: when exactly should you buy those domestic Thanksgiving flights? For Thanksgiving 2025, which falls on Thursday, November 27th, the general consensus points to early to mid-October as your prime booking window. You see, it’s a delicate balance. Book too early, like six or seven months out, and you might actually miss out on the best deals. Airlines often start with higher prices when flights first open up, then adjust them closer to the travel date based on demand. Conversely, wait too long, and you’ll be staring at sky-high fares and limited options, especially as November rolls around.

According to data crunchers at Google Flights, the lowest prices for Thanksgiving airfare are typically found somewhere between 26 and 59 days before departure, with the absolute lowest point usually landing around 45 days out. For Thanksgiving 2025, that 45-day mark puts you right around October 13th. So, if you’re reading this in September, you’re in a good spot to start actively tracking prices, and if you’re in early October, it’s time to be serious about pulling the trigger.

Some travel pros, like The Points Guy, even suggest aiming to book by mid-October, or at the very latest, Halloween. If you miss this window, don’t despair entirely, but definitely know that prices are more likely to climb than fall as the holiday approaches. Think of it like this: the airlines know you need to get home for turkey, so they’ll charge more if you wait until the last minute. Grabbing a good travel planner or setting up reminders can really help you hit this sweet spot.

Understanding Thanksgiving Flight Price Trends

It’s no secret that Thanksgiving is one of the busiest and most expensive times to fly in the U.S.. Millions of people flock to see family, leading to a massive surge in demand that naturally drives up prices. This year, for Thanksgiving 2025, some initial reports showed that holiday airfares were actually a bit higher compared to last year. However, the good news is that these same experts predicted that prices would likely drop as we entered the optimal booking windows, especially in early to mid-October. When to Buy QQQM: Your Ultimate Guide to Smart Investing in Tech’s Future

Airlines use super complex algorithms to constantly adjust fares, taking into account things like fuel costs, inflation, competitor pricing, and, of course, demand. This means prices can literally change minute by minute, day by day. That’s why simply picking a random day to book isn’t the best strategy. Instead, you’re looking for those historical trends and patterns that tell you when the market tends to cool down, even if just a little.

Historically, after the initial high prices when flights are first released often 11-12 months out, there’s usually a dip before a final, sharp increase in the last few weeks before the holiday. That dip, my friend, is your sweet spot. If you’re a data nerd like me, you’ll find that looking at tools like Google Flights’ historical price data can give you a real edge, showing you if the current price is a “good” deal compared to the average. It’s like having a crystal ball for your flight tickets.

The Best and Worst Days to Fly for Thanksgiving

you’ve got your booking window down. Now, let’s talk about the actual days you fly. This can make a huge difference to your wallet and your sanity.

Cheapest Days to Depart:
If saving money is your top priority, consider flying on Thanksgiving Day itself Thursday, November 27th, 2025. Most people want to be at their destination before the festivities begin, so flights on Thursday are typically less crowded and, consequently, cheaper. Some data suggests an average airfare around $466 if you fly on Thanksgiving Day. You might miss the early morning parade, but you’ll probably still make it for the turkey dinner! When to Buy QQQ: Your Guide to Investing in the Nasdaq 100

Another good bet is to fly on the Monday or Tuesday before Thanksgiving. These days tend to be significantly cheaper than the infamous Wednesday before Thanksgiving, which is almost universally agreed upon as one of the most expensive and busiest travel days of the year. For example, flying on the Monday before Thanksgiving might have an average fare of about $555.

Cheapest Days to Return:
The weekend right after Thanksgiving is usually a nightmare for travelers, especially the Sunday and Monday. These are peak return days, and prices reflect that, often being the most expensive. You could be looking at average fares well over $700 or even $800 for those days.

Instead, try to be flexible with your return. Consider flying back on Black Friday the day after Thanksgiving or holding off until the following Tuesday or Wednesday. If you can snag a return on Black Friday, some studies show it can be one of the cheapest return options. Or, if your schedule allows, extending your trip until the following week can save you a significant chunk of change. This might mean enjoying a few extra days with family or exploring your destination with fewer crowds – win-win! A general rule of thumb for any travel is that flying midweek Tuesday, Wednesday, and sometimes Saturday is often cheaper because there’s less business travel and overall demand.

When to Buy Christmas Flights

Since we’re talking about holiday travel, it’s worth touching on Christmas flights too, as many of the same principles apply. For domestic Christmas flights in 2025, you’ll generally want to book by Halloween or late October/early November. Google Flights data indicates that the lowest prices for domestic Christmas travel are usually found about 58 days before departure, with a range of 36 to 72 days out. This means aiming for the second half of October is a smart move.

Just like Thanksgiving, the busiest and most expensive days to fly around Christmas are usually the days immediately before the holiday and the weekend immediately after. Flying on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day itself can often lead to savings. If you’re using airline miles, then honestly, it’s never too early to start looking and booking for Christmas. Award availability gets snatched up super fast for these peak times. If you’re shopping for Christmas decorations early, you might as well be shopping for flights too!

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Navigating International Thanksgiving and Christmas Travel

Here’s a little secret for my international travel enthusiasts: While domestic Thanksgiving flights are notoriously expensive, Thanksgiving week can actually be one of the cheapest times to fly internationally. Why? Because the U.S. is largely focused on domestic travel for the holiday, demand for international flights out of the U.S. drops significantly. This creates a sweet spot for deals to places like Europe, Asia, or Mexico.

Some sources, like Matador Network, even suggest that international fares can drop by 10-20% in the final weeks leading up to Thanksgiving, especially on off-peak travel days. Hopper data from a previous year showed round-trip flights from the U.S. to Europe averaging around $605 during Thanksgiving, significantly lower than summer peak prices. So, if you’ve ever dreamt of experiencing Thanksgiving in Paris or London, this might be your chance! Pack a universal travel adapter and your passport!

For international Christmas flights, the advice swings back to booking much earlier. Generally, you want to book international travel three to five months in advance. For Europe specifically, Google Flights data shows that the best deals are often found 94 days or even earlier before your travel date. Prices for international Christmas trips are less likely to drop significantly closer to the holiday, so if you spot a good deal, it’s often best to grab it. Waiting could mean higher prices, inconvenient layovers, or being stuck with basic economy fares. When to buy ku parking pass

Tools and Tricks for Finding Deals

Finding cheap flights isn’t just about when to book. it’s also about how you look and what tools you use. Here are some of my go-to strategies:

1. Set Price Alerts Your Best Friend

This is probably the single most important tip for holiday travel. Use flight comparison websites like Google Flights, Skyscanner, or Hopper to set up price alerts for your desired routes. These tools will monitor prices for you and send you an email notification when fares change significantly. This way, you don’t have to constantly check, and you can jump on a good deal the moment it appears. Google Flights, especially, will even show you how the current fare compares to typical prices for your chosen dates and destination. It’s like having a personal travel agent, but for free!

2. Be Flexible with Your Dates Even a Little Bit Helps

I know, I know, holiday travel often means fixed dates. But if you have even a tiny bit of flexibility, use it! Shifting your departure or return by just a day or two can sometimes save you hundreds of dollars. As we discussed, flying on Thanksgiving Day itself or the Monday/Tuesday before is often cheaper. Similarly, returning on Black Friday or delaying your return until the following Tuesday/Wednesday can make a huge difference compared to the peak Sunday/Monday after the holiday.

3. Consider Alternative Airports

If you’re flying into or out of a major metropolitan area, check prices at nearby smaller or regional airports. Sometimes, flying into an airport a little further away, and then renting a car or taking public transport, can be significantly cheaper. This strategy requires a bit more planning for ground transportation, but the savings on airfare can be substantial. For example, if you’re flying to the New York City area, check Newark EWR or Long Island ISP in addition to JFK and LaGuardia. When to Buy Insurance in Blackjack: Your Complete Guide

4. Don’t Shy Away from Layovers

Non-stop flights are convenient, but they’re almost always more expensive, especially during peak travel times. Google Flights data suggests that flights with layovers can be up to 25% cheaper than direct flights. If you’re willing to add an extra stop and a bit more travel time, you could pocket some serious savings. Just make sure the layover isn’t too short to avoid missing connections or too long unless you plan to explore the layover city!. A good travel pillow and some noise-canceling headphones can make those layovers much more comfortable.

5. Explore One-Way or Multi-City Tickets Hacker Fares

Sometimes, booking two separate one-way tickets on different airlines can be cheaper than a round-trip ticket on a single airline. This is often called a “Hacker Fare” on sites like Kayak. Similarly, if your travel plans are a bit more complex, look into multi-city itineraries. You might find a cheaper combination of flights by arriving in one city and departing from another, especially for international trips.

6. Monitor Prices Even After Booking

This is a pro tip that many people don’t realize! Unless you’ve booked a super restrictive basic economy fare, most domestic airlines allow you to cancel your flight for a refund in points or a cash credit that you can use for future travel. This means if the price of your flight drops after you’ve booked it, you can often rebook it at the lower price and get the difference back as an airline voucher. Always check the fare rules, but it pays to keep an eye on prices even after you’ve bought your ticket. This is a must for saving money!

Avoiding Common Pitfalls

Traveling during Thanksgiving is tough enough without falling into common traps that cost you more money or stress.

• Don’t wait until November for domestic flights: Seriously, I can’t stress this enough. If you haven’t booked by early November, chances are you’ll be paying a premium. Prices tend to spike dramatically in the final two weeks before the holiday.
• Beware of peak travel days: We’ve covered this, but it’s worth repeating: Wednesday before Thanksgiving and the Sunday/Monday after Thanksgiving are typically the most expensive and crowded. Avoid them if you can.
• Don’t assume last-minute deals: While very rare last-minute deals can pop up, especially for international flights, it’s a huge gamble for domestic Thanksgiving travel. The risk of paying exorbitant prices or not finding a flight at all is too high.
• Watch out for hidden fees: When comparing prices, always factor in baggage fees, seat selection fees, and other add-ons that budget airlines might charge. Sometimes a slightly more expensive ticket on a full-service airline ends up being cheaper in the long run if it includes a checked bag and seat selection.
• Be prepared for crowds and delays: No matter how well you plan, Thanksgiving travel means busy airports. Arrive early at least two hours for domestic, three for international and be patient. Having a good portable charger for your phone and some entertainment on hand can make the wait less painful.

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Last-Minute Strategies If You Missed the Sweet Spot

Life happens, and sometimes you just can’t book within the ideal window. If you find yourself needing to book Thanksgiving flights closer to the holiday, here are a few last-ditch efforts:

1. Fly on Thanksgiving Day: As mentioned, this is often your best bet for a cheaper ticket, even last minute.
2. Look for Early Morning or Late Night Flights: These tend to be less popular and can sometimes have lower fares. You might have to sacrifice some sleep, but your wallet will thank you.
3. Consider Budget Airlines: While their fees can add up, airlines like Spirit or Frontier might still offer lower base fares. Just make sure you understand their policies on baggage and other services.
4. Check “Travel Deal Tuesday”: The Tuesday after Thanksgiving has become a notable day for travel sales, often offering discounts for future travel, including flights for the following spring and summer, and sometimes last-minute holiday deals. It’s a good day to keep an eye on promotions from airlines and online travel agencies.
5. Be Super Flexible: If you can truly be flexible with your destination, consider using tools like Google Flights’ “Explore” feature, which shows you the cheapest places to fly from your origin on your chosen dates. You might discover a new, unexpected holiday destination!

Frequently Asked Questions

When should you buy plane tickets for Thanksgiving?

For domestic flights, the sweet spot is typically early to mid-October, usually 26 to 59 days before Thanksgiving, with the lowest average prices often found around 45 days out. For Thanksgiving 2025 November 27th, this means aiming to book around October 13th.

When is the best time to book flights for Thanksgiving 2025?

The best time to book flights for Thanksgiving 2025 is between early and mid-October, especially for domestic travel. If you’re planning international travel for Thanksgiving, you might even find good deals closer to the holiday due to lower demand from the U.S..

Will Thanksgiving flight prices go down?

Historically, current high prices for Thanksgiving flights are expected to drop as we enter the early to mid-October booking window. However, after this “sweet spot,” prices are highly likely to increase rapidly as the holiday approaches, so don’t wait too long expecting a last-minute miracle deal for domestic flights. When to Buy Hydrangea Plants: Your Ultimate Guide to Gorgeous Blooms

When to buy cheap Christmas flights?

For domestic Christmas flights, the best time to book is typically in late October or early November, about 36 to 72 days before departure, with an average of 58 days out. For international Christmas travel, it’s generally best to book much earlier, three to five months in advance, or as soon as you see a good deal.

When to buy flights to Europe for Christmas?

To get the best deals on flights to Europe for Christmas, you should aim to book much earlier, ideally three to five months in advance, or even more. Google Flights data suggests the lowest prices for Europe are often found 94 days or earlier before travel. Don’t wait until close to the holiday, as international prices are unlikely to drop and will likely increase.

What are the cheapest days to fly for Thanksgiving?

The cheapest day to depart for Thanksgiving is usually Thanksgiving Day itself Thursday. Flying on the Monday or Tuesday before Thanksgiving can also be cheaper than the Wednesday before. The cheapest days to return are often Black Friday the day after Thanksgiving or the Tuesday/Wednesday of the following week, avoiding the notoriously expensive Sunday and Monday after Thanksgiving.

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