# Google flight booking trend analysis > Situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/google-flight-booking-trend-analysis > Updated: 2026-10-10T14:00:00.000Z. Sources: 6. Developments: 2. Google has analyzed five years of historical data to identify optimal booking windows for various types of air travel. The findings indicate that booking timing depends heavily on the destination and the specific holiday season. For United States travelers, the data suggests that Thanksgiving flights are cheapest approximately 34 days before departure, while Christmas flights are most economical around 56 days in advance. This Christmas booking window has reportedly moved five days earlier than the previous year. Other seasonal trends show Spring Break travel being most affordable around 50 days before departure, while summer travel in July and August sees lowest prices roughly 21 days before departure. Regarding trip distance, short-haul flights often reach their lowest prices around 39 days before departure. In contrast, international travel requires significantly more advance planning; flights to Europe are most economical approximately 90 days in advance, while trips to Mexico or the Caribbean are best booked about 43 days in advance. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-10: Google analysis reveals shifting trends in optimal flight booking windows Google's analysis of five years of flight data shows that optimal booking windows for holiday travel, such as Christmas and spring breaks, are shifting earlier, requiring travelers to plan further in advance. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/google-analysis-reveals-shifting-trends-in-optimal-flight-booking-windows ### 2026-10-06: Google Flights data reveals optimal booking windows for cheaper airfare Google Flights data suggests booking short-haul flights 39 days in advance and long-haul flights 89 days in advance to secure lower prices, with specific windows identified for US holiday travel. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/google-flights-data-reveals-optimal-booking-windows-for-cheaper-airfare --- Cite as: Google flight booking trend analysis. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/google-flight-booking-trend-analysis