Airfares are moving up again, up almost 6% in 2025. Here's when to book your holiday flights so you don't overpay.

Cincinnati

Travelers are being advised to set fare alerts and book holiday flights early to secure the lowest prices. According to travel expert Clint Henderson, fares for Thanksgiving should be booked by the end of September, and December holiday flights should be booked before Halloween, as prices typically increase significantly after that point.

Airfares around the holidays are currently up 6 to 7% compared to the previous year, but prices are expected to drop between now and October. Travelers are encouraged to use fare tracking tools, be flexible with travel dates, and rebook if prices fall, though this may not apply to basic economy fares. While AI chatbots like ChatGPT are not yet reliable for finding flight deals, using multiple tools and setting alerts on platforms like Google and Kayak can help avoid overpaying.

When to book holiday flights, to get the lowest price

We're all busy and the holidays may be the last thing on your mind right about now, but this is the best time to set fair alerts for holiday flights. That way, if and when fares drop, you'll be ready. Travelers heading out on fall flights say the cheaper post pandemic fares seem to be disappearing. I can't remember the last time I found a trip for under 200. I booked a ton of flights and airfares are out of control right now. Even like short one hour trips are like $500 $600. Getting the best deal on a holiday flight means not booking too early or too late. According to Clint Henderson, travel expert with the rewards and travel site, the points guy, he recommends booking Thanksgiving flights by the end of September and December holiday flights before Halloween. Once we get to Halloween, prices will go up astronomically every day from then on. Right now, airfare around the holidays is up 6 to 7% compared to last year. But Henderson says prices will fall between now and october. You get a lot of people who are early birds who are already booking and so prices are artificially inflated for the biggest savings. Set price alerts with your favorite fare tracker. Book when you see prices drop, be flexible with your dates and rebook later if prices drop, though that's a tactic that won't work with basic economy fares. We also wanted to know, is it worth asking an A. I. Chat bot like chat G. P. T. For help. According to Henderson, it's just not there yet. However, I always say use every tool in the toolbox. Leo Stanger is booking holiday flights for his family now to avoid stress later. Always book three months early if possible. They say if they go down, you're better off, but I never take the chance to start looking now and set fair alerts on Google kayak or similar tracking sites. So you don't waste your money. John Mattress Scripps News Group.

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