Google Flights identifies optimal booking windows for Thanksgiving and Christmas 2026

Google Flights indicates that the most advantageous time to book flights for Thanksgiving week in 2026 is about 34 days before departure, with the lowest fares occurring between 21 and 57 days prior to the holiday.

For domestic travel, the greatest savings are achieved when booking roughly 39 days ahead, while international trips benefit from reservations made at least 89 days in advance. Christmas travel prices are lowest around 56 days before departure, with the best fares found 33 and 67 days ahead, and the recommended booking period runs from late October to mid‑November; analysts also advise flexibility on dates, times and using cheaper nearby airports instead of Chicago O'Hare.