Planning your 2024 holiday travel? Airfare can get ridiculously expensive during peak times, but with a little planning, you can save on airfare and keep your budget in check. Knowing which days to avoid flying can make a big difference in how much you spend. Let's dive into how you can make the most of your holiday plans without draining your wallet.
Get to Know Holiday Airfare Trends
Airlines know everyone's trying to get home for the holidays, so they hike up the prices. But here's the good news: by understanding these trends, you can plan ahead and save on airfare. Usually, the days right before and after major holidays are the most expensive. Avoiding these peak times is key to keeping costs down.
Days You Should Avoid Flying in the 2024 Holiday Season
To save on airfare, try to skip these super busy travel days:
- Thanksgiving: Avoid flying on Wednesday, November 27, and Sunday, December 1. These are typically the craziest and priciest days.
- Christmas: Try not to fly on Friday, December 20, Saturday, December 21, and Sunday, December 29.
- New Year's: It's best to avoid traveling on Sunday, December 29, and Monday, December 30.
"Traveling a few days earlier or later can seriously cut down your airfare costs," says travel expert Jane Smith. Being flexible is your best friend when it comes to holiday travel.
Better Travel Dates to Save Some Cash
Consider flying on these less popular days:
- Thanksgiving: Travel on Thanksgiving Day itself or the Monday after the holiday.
- Christmas: Flying on Christmas Eve or even Christmas Day can score you lower fares.
- New Year's: Traveling on New Year's Eve or New Year's Day can save you a bundle.
By choosing these dates, you not only save on airfare but also deal with less crowded airports.
More Tips on How to Save on Airfare
Besides picking the right dates, here are some more ways to save on airfare:
- Book Early: The sooner you book, the better deals you'll find.
- Use Fare Comparison Tools: Websites and apps can help you find the cheapest flights.
- Sign Up for Alerts: Get notifications for price drops or special deals.
- Consider Other Airports: Sometimes flying into or out of smaller airports is cheaper.
- Pack Light: Avoid extra baggage fees by packing smart.
Remember, every little bit helps when it comes to saving money on travel.
Wrapping It Up
Get away from home for the holidays without breaking the bank. One way to save money on airfare and have a stress-free holiday is to avoid the busiest travel days and be flexible with your plans. Consider these suggestions as you make arrangements for the holidays of 2024. Wishing you a safe trip!