Google Flights data reveals 2024 holiday travel trends

Google this week released its latest travel trends report, offering valuable insights into popular holiday destinations and optimal flight booking times for U.S. travelers. The report, published by James Byers, Group Product Manager for Search at Google, analyzes four years of aggregated Google Flights data to provide a comprehensive overview of travel patterns and pricing trends for the upcoming holiday season and beyond.

As the holiday season approaches, many Americans are beginning to plan their travel arrangements. The Google report sheds light on trending destinations for both Thanksgiving and the December holidays, revealing distinct preferences for each period. For Thanksgiving, domestic locations feature prominently in the list of top destinations. Chicago, Phoenix, and Dallas-Fort Worth emerge as popular choices for those seeking to celebrate the holiday within the United States.

In contrast, the Christmas and New Year's Eve period sees a shift towards international travel. Manila, Sydney, Mexico City, and Madrid rank among the top destinations, indicating a growing interest in spending the winter holidays abroad. This trend suggests that Americans are more inclined to explore foreign cultures and climates during the longer December break.

The report delves deeper into flight booking patterns, offering insights that could potentially help travelers secure more affordable airfare. While the data doesn't guarantee lowest prices, it provides historical patterns that can guide decision-making when planning trips. Google Flights now includes a feature that shows users the cheapest time to book for specific destinations and travel dates, allowing for more informed choices.

For domestic flights within the U.S., the data reveals that average prices have historically been lowest 38 days before departure. However, the window for potential savings extends from 21 to 52 days before takeoff. This information suggests that travelers planning domestic trips might benefit from booking their flights approximately 5-7 weeks in advance.

International travel presents a different picture. The report advises booking as early as possible for trips abroad. While average prices have been lowest 101 days before departure, the historical low price range begins 50 days or more before takeoff. This pattern indicates that for international travel from the U.S., prices typically don't drop significantly as the departure date approaches but tend to rise within the 50-day window before the flight.

Holiday-specific trends offer additional insights for those planning Thanksgiving or Christmas travel. For Thanksgiving trips within the U.S., prices have historically been lowest 45 days before departure, with the low price range spanning 26 to 59 days out. This suggests that early October might be the optimal time to book flights for Thanksgiving travel.

Christmas travelers should plan even further ahead. The data shows that for domestic Christmas trips, prices have been lowest 58 days before departure, with the low price range extending from 36 to 72 days out. Based on this information, the latter half of October appears to be the best time to secure affordable Christmas flights.

The report also provides insights for other popular travel periods. For spring break trips in March or April, the lowest prices have typically been found 44 days before departure, with a low price range of 33 to 59 days out. Summer vacation planners might be interested to know that for domestic trips in July or August, there could be some last-minute deals available. Prices have historically been lowest 21 days before departure, with the low price range spanning 13 to 43 days out.

For those considering trips to Europe, the data suggests booking well in advance. Flights from the U.S. to Europe tend to be cheapest 94 days before departure, but the historical low price range begins 50 days or more before takeoff. This aligns with the general advice for international travel, emphasizing the importance of early booking for European destinations.

Interestingly, trips to Mexico or the Caribbean from the U.S. present an exception to the broader international trend. Prices for these destinations have been lowest 44 days before departure, with a low price range of 26 to 68 days out. This pattern more closely resembles domestic travel trends, potentially due to the geographical proximity and frequency of flights to these popular vacation spots.

The report also addresses common questions about flight booking strategies. Contrary to popular belief, the day of the week on which tickets are purchased has minimal impact on prices. While Tuesday has historically been the cheapest day to book, the difference is negligible – only 1.3% cheaper than Sunday, the most expensive day.

However, the day of travel can make a more significant difference. Flying on Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday has historically been 13% cheaper than flying on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday. For domestic trips, this potential saving increases to 20%. This information could be particularly valuable for travelers with flexible schedules who prioritize cost savings over specific travel dates.

Lastly, the report touches on the price difference between nonstop flights and those with layovers. On average, nonstop flights have been 25% more expensive than flights with stops. While this presents a potential for savings, travelers must weigh the financial benefit against the increased travel time and potential inconvenience of layovers.

Key facts from the Google travel trends report

Released on September 5, 2024

Analyzes four years of aggregated Google Flights data

Domestic flights are cheapest 38 days before departure on average

International flights are cheapest 101 days before departure on average

Thanksgiving flights are cheapest 45 days before departure

Christmas flights are cheapest 58 days before departure

Tuesday is historically the cheapest day to book, but only by 1.3%

Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday are the cheapest days to fly

Nonstop flights are 25% more expensive on average than flights with stops

Top international destinations for Christmas include Manila, Sydney, Mexico City, and Madrid

Domestic destinations like Chicago, Phoenix, and Dallas-Fort Worth are popular for Thanksgiving