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What's the best time to book holiday travel plans? How to score deals on flights

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Thursday, September 11th 2025 at 16:24 GMT by USA Today
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How to Nab the Cheapest Flights for Holiday Travel (A 2025 USA Today Guide)

When the calendar flips to late September, a flurry of travelers start planning the next family getaway, a romantic getaway, or a solo adventure. The rush to book flights ahead of the Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year holiday periods has pushed fares to record highs. In a 2025 USA Today piece, the travel editor breaks down a set of “must‑know” tactics that can help travelers snag the cheapest seats—and avoid the most common pitfalls that turn a holiday escape into an expensive headache.

1. Why Book Early?

The article stresses that the “golden window” for getting the best prices on holiday flights is at least three months in advance. Airlines typically release new seats at the start of the booking window, and those that fly out during the holiday weekend are priced up sharply.

The writer points out that, according to recent data from the U.S. Department of Transportation, the average price for a round‑trip flight from a major hub (e.g., Atlanta, Chicago, or Dallas) to a popular leisure destination (like Orlando or Miami) spiked by 30 % between September and December.

Tip: Set a calendar reminder for the release day and book the next day.

2. Use “Incognito” or “Private Browsing”

Because airlines can track your search history and raise prices on repeat visits, the article recommends browsing in private mode or clearing cookies before you start your search.

“Airlines use cookies to build a profile of a traveler’s intent and can adjust pricing accordingly,” the article explains.

3. Leverage Fare‑Alert Tools and Aggregators

USA Today lists several tools that automatically ping you when prices dip:

The article links to the official Google Flights page (https://www.google.com/flights) and the Hopper website (https://www.hopper.com) for readers to get started.

4. Check Alternative Airports

Flying out of a secondary airport can shave hundreds off a ticket.

• From Chicago: Compare Chicago O’Hare (ORD) with Chicago Midway (MDW).
• From Los Angeles: Check LAX versus Long Beach (LGB).
• From New York: New York‑JFK, LaGuardia (LGA), and Newark (EWR).

USA Today provides a quick “airport comparison” chart for the three busiest U.S. airports, indicating average savings per route.

5. Opt for Low‑Cost Carriers (LCCs) When Possible

The article highlights airlines such as Southwest, Frontier, Spirit, and Allegiant, which often undercut full‑service carriers on holiday routes. It also reminds readers that LCCs typically charge extra for checked bags, seat selection, and food, but for a budget traveler, those can still be cheaper overall.

“The trick is to factor in all the add‑ons before you compare the sticker price.”

6. Use Points, Miles, and Promo Codes

For frequent flyers, the article offers a rundown of the best programs for holiday travel:

• Star Alliance & OneWorld: Many carriers in these alliances have “holiday bonus” points available.
• Airline Credit Cards: Visa Signature and Mastercard World Elite cards can offer up to $100 in airline credits per year, which can be applied to holiday flights.
• Promo Codes: Sites such as RetailMeNot or the airline’s own newsletters occasionally provide promo codes that slash $20–$50 off the fare.

A link to the USA Today’s “How to Earn Airline Miles” guide is included for readers who want a deeper dive.

7. Avoid Peak Travel Days

Flights out on Friday evenings or Sunday evenings are almost always the most expensive. The article advises aiming for a Wednesday or Thursday departure and returning on a Monday or Tuesday.

A quick‑look chart shows that a typical flight from Atlanta to Orlando on a Wednesday in December can cost $70 less than the same route on a Sunday.

8. Consider “Layovers” as a Price‑Cutting Tool

While nonstop flights are convenient, the article notes that a one‑stop flight can cut the price by 20 %–30 %. It offers a quick case study:

• Atlanta (ATL) → Miami (MIA): Direct flight $200.
• ATL → Dallas (DFW) → MIA: 2‑hour layover, $135.

The article links to a “How to Optimize Your Layover Time” tip sheet, suggesting apps like Roadtrippers to find interesting stops.

9. Be Wary of “Low‑Fare” Fees

Some airlines advertise “lowest price” tickets but add hefty fees for baggage, seat selection, and even the “ticketing” fee. The article recommends adding these fees to the base fare before making a comparison.

“Always calculate the total cost in the cart, not just the advertised price.”

10. Plan a “Travel Buffer” for Unforeseen Circumstances

The article underscores the importance of travel insurance or refundable tickets, especially during a pandemic‑era travel landscape. Many carriers now offer “Flexible” tickets that can be changed for free.

“A small premium now can save you from losing a trip if a flight gets canceled.”

11. Check for Airline‑Specific Holiday Promotions

The article lists a handful of airlines that routinely offer holiday discounts:

• Alaska Airlines: “Holiday Savings” promo for flights to the West Coast and Pacific Islands.
• JetBlue: “Holiday JetBlue” discount for flights to the Caribbean and Mexico.
• American Airlines: “Holiday Gift” offers for bundled hotel and flight packages.

Each airline’s promotion page is linked for quick access.

12. Final Checklist Before You Book

1. Set a price alert.
2. Compare alternative airports.
3. Pick a non‑peak day.
4. Add all fees.
5. Use miles or credit‑card perks if you have them.
6. Read the cancellation policy.

The USA Today article ends on a hopeful note, reminding readers that while holiday travel can be costly, a little savvy planning and early booking can unlock savings that would otherwise be missed.

Why This Guide Matters

Holiday travel is a perennial headache for travelers—especially with the ongoing impact of global events that can disrupt schedules at any moment. By pulling together the latest data, best‑practice tools, and actionable tips, the USA Today piece equips readers with a roadmap for navigating the complex world of holiday airfare. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or booking your first holiday trip, following these guidelines can help you secure a seat for less—and enjoy the holiday you’ve always dreamed of without breaking the bank.