Google Flights’ five-year analysis of aggregated data for US departures compares when fares are usually lowest across trip types and seasons.
The typical low is 39 days ahead for domestic flights, 89 days for international flights and 56 days for Christmas travel.
The article outlines the reported ranges behind those averages, making clear how much timing can vary.
The figures are based on five years of aggregated data for flights departing from the U.S. For the Christmas season, the lowest prices typically appear 56 days before departure — five days earlier than last year. The best price window generally runs from late October to mid-November.
When to look for lower prices
Google Flights estimates show when the lowest prices typically appear for different periods and destinations. The ranges in the table are days before departure.
For international flights, the price difference is negligible from 50 to 133 days before departure. The window of time to find low prices for domestic flights is slightly longer than in 2025. For spring break, the cheapest spot appeared a week earlier. Low prices for Thanksgiving are mostly found in October.
Wednesday is usually the cheapest day to book, but the difference from Sunday, the most expensive day to book, is just 1,4%. In contrast, the choice of flight days can have a bigger impact. Direct flights cost on average about 20% more than connecting flights.
For a given route and dates, Google Flights and Google Search’s AI Mode display the “cheapest time to book.” It compares current prices with previous years’ data and estimates whether they may increase or decrease. For the holidays, Google’s general recommendation is to book as far in advance as possible.
Athens at the top of searches for the holidays
Athens has the largest relative search increase among international destinations on Google Flights for Christmas and New Year’s, compared to 2025. Quebec City, Rio de Janeiro, Hanoi and Guatemala City follow. Google distinguishes these destinations from consistently popular choices such as New York and Orlando.
For domestic flights in the US during the Thanksgiving period, Hilo, Hawaii, is the most searched destination, followed by Buffalo, Columbus, Punta Gorda and Greenville.
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