Now that Labor Day is come and gone, fall is approaching and the holiday season won’t be far behind. The best time to book a flight over the Thanksgiving holiday is the week of Sept. 4, according to Skyscanner, a global travel search site, and its analysis of 2016 airfare pricing data. The site predicts that you can find savings of up to 4 percent during that time. Depending on your budget and how many airline tickets you need to buy for holiday travel, the potential savings could add up.
If you were hoping to save a bit more, consider these tips to find a cheap Thanksgiving flight.
[See: 10 Tasty Tips for a Frugal Thanksgiving.]
Be flexible with timing. Most Thanksgiving weekend travelers start their trip the Wednesday before the holiday and return the following Sunday, making these the most expensive days to book airfare. If you can be flexible, try flying earlier or later in the week than usual. In fact, traveling on Thanksgiving Day itself will likely save you the most money. Google Flights is a helpful tool to see the cheapest days you can fly with only a few clicks. It will even suggest alternate days to fly alongside how much money you could save if you did so.
Just like days of the week, flexibility pays off when you fly at less popular times of the day. Of course, it’s not pleasant to get up before daybreak or hop on a red-eye flight, but those are the times of the day when tickets are cheapest. Plus, you’re much more likely to have an aisle all to yourself.
[See: 12 Habits of Phenomenally Frugal Families.]
Look at other airports. Another helpful feature of Google Flights is the ability to search multiple airports in the region you are traveling to or from. While the major hub nearest to you is your obvious first choice, you might find a lower rate at a regional airport 25 miles away. Don’t forget to price out the cost of a rental car or airport parking when you consider how much you’re spending. If a family member can pick you up from the airport, even better.
Try two one-way flights. It’s also worth a try to see if you can save money by purchasing two one-way flights rather than a round-trip flight. You can even look at different airlines for each flight. Not only will this potentially save you some money, it could offer more flexibility in departure times.
For groups, price out individually first. If you’re traveling as a family or a group, you may be inclined to book together, so that you’re all sitting in the same row. However, booking individually may get you a lower price, so try both options as long as you and your travel companions are open to sitting in different places on the plane.
[See: 12 Frugal Ways to Save on Vacation.]
Don’t forget coupon codes. One last thing to check before you book your flights is your favorite coupon website. See if your airline or any third-party travel-planning websites are offering a discount. You’ll often see a coupon code for package deals if you are booking a hotel or rental car alongside your airfare.
Avoid luggage fees. For a long holiday weekend, you can probably get away with a carry-on suitcase. This is your best option to avoid any baggage fees and save time at the airport. If you do need to check a bigger bag, look up your airline’s limitations before you finish packing. For some airlines, one checked bag is free if it stays under a weight limit. Weigh your bag before you leave the house to make sure you won’t pay any overage fees — and don’t forget that you would get hit twice for the departing and returning flight.
Pack your own snacks. Bringing your own snacks to the airport can ensure that you don’t spend what you saved on your cheaper flight. Everything at the airport is marked up considerably, and it’s tempting to indulge in a few luxuries to improve the overall travel experience. Bring a few of your favorite treats in your carry-on bag as well as an empty bottle that you can fill at a water fountain.
Consider booking now. The less flexible your situation — including whether or not you are traveling with small children or if you have a set schedule — the more you should consider booking your Thanksgiving flights sooner rather than later. Prices will go up as we get closer to the holiday, and the cheapest seats and most popular traveling days will fill up fast.
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Tips for a Cheap Thanksgiving Flight originally appeared on usnews.com
