Experts Say You Should Book Your Thanksgiving Flights Now, and Here’s Why

Travelers who wait too long could end up paying up to 40 percent more for their seats. Experts have weighed in on the ideal time to book and a few tricks to keep costs down.

Thanksgiving and the end-of-year holidays are fast approaching, and if you're planning to fly home for some quality family time, the data suggests your window is narrowing. While the holidays may still feel far off, now may be the time to lock in your flights.

Several fare-tracking services agree that the cheapest time to book Thanksgiving 2026 travel stretches from around mid-September through the end of October, with prices hitting their lowest point in the second half of October.

According to Islander News, Google's flight-fare data puts the best booking window at 24 to 59 days before departure, with the ideal time landing roughly 35 days out.

ShopBack takes it a step further, flagging September 15 to October 15 as the prime booking period for 2026. Wait until after November 10, the travel site cautioned, and you could be paying an extra 25 to 40 percent.

If you aren't ready to commit just yet, you can set up Google Flight Alerts to track trip prices. However, Clint Henderson, travel expert for The Points Guy, noted that prices were expected to jump after Labor Day.

For those traveling over the upcoming holidays, he anticipates that "resort destinations will be most expensive," including both ski spots and tropical getaways. That list includes Aspen and Vail in Colorado; Big Sky, Montana; Sun Valley, Idaho; and Jackson Hole, Wyoming; as well as Maui, Kauai, and Honolulu in Hawaii.

For travelers hoping to save some money, Henderson said layovers can help, "especially if you're willing to spend as much as eight hours in an airport." Other money-saving tips include using points or miles and booking vacation packages that bundle your flight, hotel, and car rental into one.

And take this seat if you want to avoid turbulence.