With Diwali, Christmas and New Year approaching, travellers planning a year-end getaway may be wondering whether to book flights now or wait for fares to fall. Google’s latest analysis of five years of Google Flights data offers guidance on booking windows, cheaper travel days and ways to reduce airfare costs.
Google recommends booking holiday flights as early as possible when travel dates are fixed, particularly for international journeys. Its findings, however, are based on flights departing from the United States and may not accurately reflect airfare trends in India, where prices vary according to routes, demand, airline capacity and seasonal travel patterns.
Christmas flights could be cheapest around 56 days before departure
For travellers planning a Christmas break, October and early November are important periods to compare fares. Google’s analysis found that Christmas flights departing from the US typically record their lowest average prices around 56 days before departure, with a broader low-price window of 33 to 67 days in advance.
The 56-day benchmark is five days earlier than the previous year's estimate, according to Google. With Christmas falling on December 25, travellers should compare available fares rather than assume prices will fall closer to the holiday.
For international journeys, Google found that average fares typically reach their lowest point around 89 days before departure. Trips to Europe tend to record their lowest average prices approximately 90 days in advance.
However, the analysis found that the average price difference across the broader low-price window for international flights was relatively small. Google therefore recommends booking as early as possible when dates are fixed, rather than relying on a last-minute drop in fares.
The findings also offer benchmarks for other travel periods. Domestic flights departing from the US typically reach their lowest average prices around 39 days before departure, while Thanksgiving flights are generally cheapest around 34 days in advance. For spring break trips in March or April, the lowest average prices tend to occur 50 days before departure, while summer holiday flights for July and August typically reach their lowest point around 21 days ahead.
These are historical averages rather than guarantees for individual journeys.
The day you travel matters more than the day you book
Travellers have long believed that booking flights on a particular weekday can secure cheaper tickets. Google’s latest findings suggest that the difference is marginal.
Wednesday was the cheapest day to book flights in the latest analysis, but fares were only around 1.4% lower than on Sunday, the most expensive day to book. This suggests that waiting for a particular weekday to purchase tickets may not produce significant savings.
Instead, flexibility over departure and return dates could make a bigger difference. Google found that departing on a Monday and returning on a Tuesday or Wednesday can cost around 14% less than travelling at weekends. For domestic US journeys, travelling on weekdays rather than departing and returning on Sunday can offer savings of up to 20%.
For Indian travellers planning trips around Diwali, Christmas or New Year, comparing different departure and return dates may therefore be more useful than concentrating on the weekday on which the ticket is purchased. Actual savings will depend on the route and prevailing demand.
Connecting flights may be cheaper than non-stop journeys
Choosing a connecting flight instead of a non-stop service is another way to reduce travel costs. Google’s analysis found that non-stop flights cost around 20% more on average than journeys involving a connection.
The lower fare may be attractive for travellers working within a fixed holiday budget, but it is important to compare the full itinerary before booking. Longer layovers, additional travel time, baggage arrangements and the possibility of having to transfer luggage between separately booked flights can affect the overall experience and cost.
Google Flights also offers a “Cheapest” results tab, which prioritises lower fares and may include additional itineraries or online travel agency options. Some cheaper combinations can involve trade-offs, such as self-transferring baggage or using different airports for the outbound and return journeys.
Travellers should weigh these considerations against the savings before choosing a connecting itinerary.
How to use Google Flights to find better fares
Google Flights provides several tools that can help travellers compare prices and monitor changes before booking. Its price-tracking feature allows users to receive updates when fares change for selected routes and dates. Travellers with flexible schedules can also use the price graph and date comparison features to identify potentially cheaper departure and return dates.
The platform may display guidance indicating whether prices are lower than usual or are likely to rise. These estimates are based on historical price patterns and are not guarantees of future fares.
Comparing nearby airports can also help, provided the additional ground transport costs and travel time do not outweigh the savings. Travellers should check the total ticket price, including baggage charges, seat-selection fees and other add-ons, rather than choosing a flight solely because its advertised base fare is lower.
Tips to keep year-end travel costs down
Booking in advance remains a sensible approach for travellers with fixed dates, especially for popular international routes and holiday periods. Comparing fares several weeks or months before departure can help identify suitable options before availability becomes more limited.
Flexibility is equally important. Travellers who can adjust their departure or return dates should compare midweek and weekend fares, while those willing to take connecting flights can check whether the savings justify a longer journey.
Monitoring prices over time, checking alternative airports and reviewing the full cost of each itinerary can help travellers make more informed decisions. There is little evidence in Google's analysis to suggest that booking on a specific weekday alone will consistently secure a substantial discount.
Ultimately, Google's findings offer a useful starting point for planning a year-end holiday, but they should not be treated as a fixed formula for every route. For travellers in India, the most reliable approach is to compare fares for their specific journey, track price movements and book when the available fare fits their budget and travel requirements.