When should I book a holiday flight? Best times to buy plane tickets in 2024

The early bird will probably catch the lowest-priced plane tickets in 2024.

Airfares for domestic travel are expected to fall below 2023 and prepandemic prices for the first six months of 2024, signaling that air travelers will likely find the best deals now, according to analysts with the travel website Hopper, which tracks airfares.

Flyers are likely to find the best deals in January, with round-trip domestic airfares averaging $253 ? down 6% from the same month in 2023 and 11% from December 2023, according to Hopper.

The best time to book holiday travel airfare depends on the holiday and how far in advance you intend to book. Analysts at Hopper offered this advice on when travelers should buy their tickets.

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When can I book cheap flights for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day?

As soon as possible. Prices are rising for last-minute flights.

When can I book cheap flights for Presidents Day?

Early January. Avoid waiting – airfares will double just before the Feb. 19, 2024, holiday.

Book your trip by: Jan. 8.

When can I book cheap flights for St. Patrick’s Day?

The lowest prices are typically during the first two weeks of January. Airfares will nearly double three weeks before the holiday.

Book your trip by: Jan. 18.

When can I book cheap flights for Easter?

Book two months ahead of Easter weekend, when the lowest prices are expected. Easter falls on Sunday, March 31, 2024. Prices will rise about $150 in the last month before Easter.

Book your trip by: Feb. 9.

When can I book cheap flights for Memorial Day weekend?

Book in February or March. Prices will spike around $40 a week in the last three weeks before Memorial Day weekend, May 24-27.

Book your trip by: April 15.

When can I book cheap flights for Juneteenth?

Juneteenth, observed on Wednesday, June 19, falls during the peak of the summer travel season, so travelers should expect higher airfares overall. Travelers can find the best deals if they book in March.

Book your trip by: May 1.

When can I book cheap flights for Fourth of July weekend?

The lowest airfares are expected in March and April. Prices will spike around $50 a week in the last three weeks before the holiday (July 4 falls on a Thursday in 2024), and flights to destinations with high demand can sell out.

Book your trip by: June 1.

When can I book cheap flights for Labor Day weekend?

Book one to three months in advance. Some last-minute deals may be available within three to six weeks of departure, but taking advantage of these deals requires flexibility on your dates and/or destinations. Like Fourth of July, prices will spike around $50 a week in the last three weeks before Labor Day weekend (Aug. 30-Sept. 2).

Book your trip by: Aug. 9.

When can I book cheap flights for Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples’ Day weekend?

The lowest fares are expected in August. Prices will be high until around August, then prices will increase by around $25 a week in the last month before the weekend (Oct. 11-14).

Book your trip by: Aug. 15.

When can I book cheap flights for Veterans Day?

Book your plane ticket a month or two ahead of time. Prices will rise about $150 in the last six weeks before Veterans Day on Nov. 11, which falls on a Monday in 2024.

Book your trip by: Sept. 21.

When can I book cheap flights for Thanksgiving and Christmas?

Analysts recommend booking flights for both Thanksgiving and Christmas around the same time, expecting the best deals for both holidays will come in September and October. Prices for both holidays will spike by around $150 as the holidays draw closer, with flights to some destinations selling out.

Book your trip by: Oct. 31.

When can I book cheap flights for New Year's Eve?

The lowest airfares are expected around October and November, though last-minute deals in early December are possible. New Year's Eve falls on a Tuesday in 2024.

Book your trip by: Dec. 1.

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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Best times to buy holiday plane tickets in 2024: Christmas and more