Book Flights During Peak Holiday Seasons

How to Book Flights During Peak Holiday Seasons

Booking flights during peak holiday seasons can be both exciting and stressful. While the holidays bring joy and the chance to spend time with loved ones, they also bring higher demand for flights and often inflated prices. Whether you’re planning a trip for Christmas, New Year, Thanksgiving, or another holiday, securing a great deal is possible if you follow the right strategies. At SkyMojo, we understand how important it is to find affordable airfare during these busy times. Here's how to book your flights with ease, get the best deals, and avoid stress this holiday season.

1. Book Early – Timing Is Key

One of the most important things to keep in mind when booking a flight for a peak holiday season is booking early. Airlines typically increase prices as the holiday season draws nearer, so securing your tickets at least 2-3 months in advance will give you the best chance to lock in lower fares. The earlier you book, the more likely you are to find better deals before prices surge.

Best Timing to Book:

For Christmas/New Year: Book at least 3 months in advance (i.e., September for December holidays).
For Thanksgiving: Try to book by late summer, ideally 2-3 months ahead.

2. Set Fare Alerts and Monitor Prices

While booking early is ideal, prices can fluctuate unexpectedly. That's where setting fare alerts comes in handy. At SkyMojo, we offer a price alert feature that tracks your chosen routes and notifies you when there’s a price drop. These notifications help you book your flights at the right time to get the best possible deal.

How to Set Fare Alerts on SkyMojo:

Simply create an account on SkyMojo and select your destination, dates, and budget.
You will receive real-time updates when fares change, giving you the flexibility to book when the prices are at their best.

3. Be Flexible with Your Travel Dates

While the holidays are fixed, flexibility with your travel dates can make a huge difference in fare prices. For instance, flying on the holiday itself (like Christmas Day, New Year's Eve, or Thanksgiving Day) may be significantly cheaper than traveling a day or two before or after the holiday.

Best Days to Fly:

For Christmas/New Year: Fly on the holiday itself for cheaper fares (December 25th or January 1st).
For Thanksgiving: The day before Thanksgiving and the Sunday after Thanksgiving are typically the busiest and most expensive days. Try booking flights for Tuesday or Wednesday before Thanksgiving.

4. Choose Less Popular Airports

If your destination has more than one airport, consider flying into smaller or less popular airports near your final destination. Often, these airports have cheaper flights and fewer crowds, making for a more comfortable and budget-friendly experience.

Example:

If you're flying to New York City, try flying into LaGuardia or Newark rather than JFK.
For London, consider flying into London Gatwick or Stansted rather than Heathrow.

SkyMojo makes it easy to compare multiple airports for your desired destination and choose the best flight option for you.

5. Look for Connecting Flights

While direct flights are more convenient, they are often the most expensive option, especially during peak seasons. If you’re not in a rush, consider connecting flights. Connecting flights are often cheaper than direct flights, and you can enjoy an extended layover to explore a new city if you like!

Tip:
When booking connecting flights through SkyMojo, you can choose longer layovers to enjoy the chance to explore a new destination before reaching your final stop.

6. Take Advantage of Seasonal Sales and Discounts

Many airlines and online travel agencies like SkyMojo offer seasonal sales and special promotions during the holidays. These promotions often offer discounted rates on both domestic and international flights. Keep an eye out for sales, especially during major events like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Christmas promotions.

SkyMojo Offers:

We frequently offer exclusive discounts and holiday deals. Check our website for the latest offers and promotions on peak holiday travel dates.

7. Join Frequent Flyer Programs

If you travel often, joining a frequent flyer program is a great way to accumulate points that you can redeem for discounts or even free flights. Many airlines offer loyalty programs that allow you to collect miles for each flight you book. By the time the next holiday season rolls around, you could have enough miles for a substantial discount.

SkyMojo Tip:
Make sure to link your frequent flyer account with your SkyMojo profile so you can easily track your miles and see potential savings when booking flights.

8. Don’t Forget to Compare Airlines and Routes

Not all airlines charge the same prices for the same routes, so it’s important to compare flights and services before making a decision. At SkyMojo, we make it easy for you to compare multiple airlines and flight options. We provide all the relevant information about flight services, including baggage allowances, seating arrangements, and in-flight amenities, to help you make an informed decision.

How to Compare Flights on SkyMojo:

Search for flights by destination, dates, and budget.
Our platform displays all available flights, sorted by price, duration, and other filters, to help you find the best option for your needs.

9. Book a Package Deal

If you need accommodation and car rentals in addition to your flight, consider booking a holiday package. Often, booking flights and accommodations together can save you a significant amount. SkyMojo offers holiday bundles that include flights, hotels, and car rentals, providing a one-stop-shop for your travel planning.

Conclusion: Book with Confidence through SkyMojo

Booking flights during peak holiday seasons doesn’t have to be a stressful experience. By booking early, staying flexible with your dates, and utilizing SkyMojo’s tools like fare alerts and flight comparisons, you can find great deals and enjoy a smooth travel experience. Plus, with our exclusive discounts and loyalty rewards, you’ll always have access to the best prices.

SkyMojo is here to help you find affordable flights, even during the busiest times of the year. Visit our website today to start planning your next holiday trip, and don’t forget to take advantage of our deals and discounts!

Flights During Peak Holiday Seasons – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. When is the best time to book flights for peak holiday seasons?
The best time to book flights for peak holiday seasons like Christmas, New Year, and Thanksgiving is 2-3 months in advance. Booking early helps secure the best fares before prices rise as the holidays approach. For Christmas and New Year, aim to book by September. For Thanksgiving, try to book by late summer.

2. Can I get cheaper flights if I book last minute?
While last-minute bookings are usually more expensive due to high demand during peak holiday seasons, it’s still possible to find discounts. Some airlines offer last-minute deals to fill empty seats. To catch these, monitor fares closely and use tools like SkyMojo’s fare alerts to get notifications when prices drop.

3. Is it cheaper to fly on the holiday itself?
Yes, flights that depart on the holiday itself, such as Christmas Day or New Year’s Eve, tend to be cheaper compared to the days leading up to the holiday. If you’re flexible, consider flying on the holiday to save money and avoid crowded airports.

4. How can I save money on holiday flights if I have flexible travel dates?
Flexibility with your travel dates can lead to significant savings. Flights that depart on weekdays, like Tuesdays and Thursdays, tend to be cheaper than weekends. Additionally, flying on off-peak days such as Christmas Day or New Year’s Day often results in lower fares. Use SkyMojo’s flexible date feature to explore different travel dates and find the best rates.

5. Should I book connecting flights for holiday travel?
Yes, opting for connecting flights instead of direct flights can often save you money during peak holiday seasons. While connecting flights may take longer, they are generally cheaper. If you're not in a rush, you can take advantage of these options and save significantly on your airfare. You can compare connecting flights and direct options easily on SkyMojo.

6. How can I avoid overpaying for peak holiday flights?
Here are some tips to avoid overpaying for flights during peak holiday seasons:

Book early – The earlier you book, the better the chances of getting a lower price.
Set fare alerts – Use SkyMojo’s fare alert feature to monitor price drops.
Be flexible with dates – Flying on less popular days can result in cheaper fares.
Consider nearby airports – Flying into smaller airports can save money.
Join frequent flyer programs – Earn miles for discounts on future bookings.

7. Is it better to book flights directly with the airline or through a travel agency?
Booking flights directly with the airline offers more flexibility in case you need to make changes to your reservation. However, booking through an online travel agency like SkyMojo gives you the benefit of comparing prices from different airlines in one place, helping you find the best deal. SkyMojo also offers exclusive discounts and deals that might not be available directly from airlines.

8. How can I get the best deals for flights during peak seasons?
To get the best deals on flights during peak holiday seasons:

Book in advance to avoid last-minute price hikes.
Use SkyMojo’s fare alerts to stay updated on price drops.
Be flexible with dates and airports.
Look for holiday sales and promotions.
Consider connecting flights if you’re not in a rush.

9. Can I find holiday flight deals on SkyMojo?
Absolutely! SkyMojo offers exclusive discounts, special promotions, and holiday packages during peak holiday seasons. We work with various airlines to provide you with competitive rates and affordable options for holiday travel. Check our website for the latest deals and sales.

10. Are there any benefits to booking flights during a holiday sale?
Yes, booking flights during holiday sales or special events like Black Friday or Cyber Monday can provide significant discounts. SkyMojo often offers exclusive sales during these times, helping you save on peak season flights. Keep an eye on our website and set fare alerts to grab the best deals.

11. Can I earn loyalty points when booking holiday flights with SkyMojo?
Yes, you can earn loyalty points with many airlines through SkyMojo. By booking your flights through SkyMojo, you can also link your frequent flyer accounts to accrue miles for future travel. These miles can be redeemed for discounts or free flights, providing added value to your holiday bookings.

12. Are last-minute flights more expensive during peak holiday seasons?
Yes, last-minute flights during peak holiday seasons tend to be more expensive because airlines increase prices due to high demand. However, there may still be some last-minute deals available as airlines try to fill empty seats. Monitoring fares closely through platforms like SkyMojo can help you snag a deal if you're booking last-minute.