Google Flights data reveals optimal booking windows for cheaper airfare

Based on five years of historical data, Google Flights has identified optimal booking windows to secure lower airfares. The findings suggest that booking timing varies significantly depending on the trip type and holiday season.

For Thanksgiving travel in the United States, the lowest average prices typically appear approximately 34 days before departure, with a favorable window between 57 and 21 days. For Christmas, the optimal booking period shifts to roughly 56 days before departure, generally falling between 67 and 33 days in advance. Data from Hopper indicates that domestic round-trip averages for Thanksgiving are expected to be $402, a 31% increase over 2025, while Christmas flights average $452, up 23%.

For general travel, Google distinguishes between short-haul and long-haul flights. Short-haul trips often see the lowest prices around 39 days before departure. Long-haul flights benefit from booking approximately 89 days in advance. Specifically, flights to Europe tend to be most economical around 90 days before departure, while trips to Mexico or the Caribbean are best booked about 43 days in advance. While flying mid-week can reduce costs, the specific day of the week on which a ticket is purchased has a minimal impact on the final price.