When I meet someone new and share that I’m an aviation reporter, they almost always ask for my best travel advice.

Just kidding! I usually ask what kind of advice they’re after, and around this time of year, it commonly revolves around finding the best holiday flight deals.

However, here’s a truth you may already be aware of: finding lower fares during the holidays can be quite challenging. The holiday travel period is very busy, allowing airlines to raise their prices and capitalize on the demand. It’s simply a matter of supply and demand.

That doesn’t mean all hope is lost for winter travel. With a bit of flexibility, you can still find, if not fantastic, at least somewhat better prices. Plus, there are plenty of great flight deals at other times of the year.

Why are Holiday Flight Costs So High?

The reason is quite simple.

“Airlines usually don’t offer significant fare discounts during the holiday season as it’s one of the busiest travel times,” Hayley Berg, a chief economist at the booking platform Hopper, explained. “Flights tend to be fully booked weeks in advance.”

Essentially, airlines leverage the rise in travel demand to keep prices elevated. There’s no hidden agenda aimed at making you pay extra; it’s just standard marketplace dynamics we all navigate.

How Can You Ensure a Fair Deal on Holiday Travel?

Here are some strategies to help secure a relatively decent fare, even if it’s pricier than what you’d find during other seasons.

Berg suggests three main tips: plan in advance, remain flexible, and keep an eye on prices.

▶ Plan in Advance: “Holiday airfares often feel more expensive because most travelers tend to book close to their departure dates for peak travel times,” Berg noted. “We advise beginning your holiday planning early, aiming to book both Thanksgiving and Christmas trips in October while staying flexible.”

Although it might be late to find the best rates for Christmas travel now, these strategies can still lessen the financial burden.

▶ Stay Flexible: Certain days during the holiday season are busier than others, so if you’re able to avoid those peak dates, you might score better prices.

“For instance, flying back on the Sunday after Thanksgiving will likely result in high prices,” Berg explained, as that day is especially crowded for travel.

“However, if you’re willing to take a last-minute flight on Thanksgiving Day and return the Monday or Tuesday after, you’ll probably encounter lower fares due to decreased travel that day,” she added.

▶ Monitor Prices: A smart approach to ensuring you get a reasonable deal is to use price tracking tools.

“Prices fluctuate frequently, and what might seem like a good deal could actually be misleading,” Berg pointed out. “The best way to confirm you’re getting a fair rate is by utilizing a price monitoring tool, as opposed to manually checking several times a day.”

Platforms like Google Flights, Hopper, and Expedia provide price monitoring features and forecasts.

While these tools are valuable, I believe if you find what you think is a good fare, you should go ahead and book it. Airline pricing is so volatile, and trends can be unpredictable, so trusting your gut can be as valid a reason as any to either proceed with a booking or hold off.

Berg added that airfare prices vary so much that even if you miss a great deal one day, there’s a good chance prices will return to similar levels if your travel date is not imminent. She also mentioned that Travel Tuesday (the day after Thanksgiving) is a favorable time to hunt for airfare and hotel discounts.

How Do Airlines Determine When to Offer Discounts on Airfares?

Outside of the busy holiday period, airlines frequently have sales to boost demand for various reasons.

“When new routes are launched, airlines often provide lower fares to attract customers, especially compared to established carriers… This strategy raises awareness and demand for these new routes,” Berg explained. “Sales are also employed during periods of reduced demand.”

The shoulder seasons or off-peak times, like late September through early November, typically present excellent deals since fewer travelers are on the move.

Tips for Holiday Travel

If you want to snag the best prices for travel, it’s wise to compare costs and remain flexible with your travel plans. Additionally, booking early flights is a good strategy. Early flights are less likely to be impacted by weather-related delays. On busy travel days, also allow extra time for navigating airport security, as queues tend to be longer during peak holiday travel.

Lastly, make sure to understand the new protections provided by the Department of Transportation for travelers. Knowing your rights in case your travel plans fall through can be very helpful when dealing with airlines’ customer service.