Flight Strategies for Festive Seasons: Key Dates & Hacks

Booking flights for Christmas and New Year's should have been earlier, but opportunities may still exist.

Google Flights is a helpful tool to find potentially discounted or average-priced tickets.

Flexibility with departure dates and airports can aid in finding cheaper options.

Purchase tickets directly from airlines rather than using travel agencies.

Optimal departure dates are December 18, 19, 20, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day.

Recommended return flight dates are December 28 and 29 for better travel experiences.

December 21 and 22 are expected to be the busiest and most chaotic days for departures.

The following days after Christmas are projected to be challenging for return flights.

Higher airport congestion and increased prices are anticipated during peak travel times.

Approximately 3.7 million people are expected to be in airports during the busiest travel days.