Top-Tier Airfare Discounts for December Vacations | Winter Marvels
With the festive season fast approaching, many travellers are on the lookout for the best deals on flights to popular destinations. Here are some key strategies to help you secure the most affordable round-trip fares for your December holiday travels.
According to industry reports, the most affordable round-trip flight deals for the December holidays this winter season are generally found by booking between 36 to 72 days in advance, with the sweet spot around 58 days before departure for domestic flights in the US, including holiday travel for Christmas[1]. This suggests that mid-October is the optimal time to secure the lowest fares for December holiday trips.
For international flights, early booking is usually beneficial, especially for Europe, where flights are cheapest around 94 days in advance on average. However, flights to Mexico and the Caribbean tend to be cheapest between 26 and 68 days ahead, with around 44 days out being ideal[1].
Utilising flight comparison tools can help travellers save up to 30% by checking multiple platforms like Skyscanner or Google Flights. These tools can pinpoint the most affordable itineraries, while booking well in advance generally secures the lowest prices.
Airlines often provide incentives for families flying with children, such as discounts or priority seating, potentially saving around $50 to $100 per flight. Additionally, consider subscribing to fare alerts to stay informed about price drops, which can help identify last-minute opportunities for travellers looking to escape the winter chill.
Some airlines provide additional seasonal sales around "Travel Tuesday" events, typically early in the week, which can offer savings of about 15% or more on flights booked for upcoming travel[4]. Popular airlines like American and Delta offer competitive fares, including to destinations such as Puerto Rico where round-trip flights can start as low as approximately $138[5].
For those aiming to fly business class, deals can start around $774 for international travel, though average prices tend to be higher; American Airlines is noted for being popular in this category[2].
If you're looking for an exotic escape, Tokyo will see a growth of 10% in December tourism, enticed by seasonal illuminations and unique culinary festivals. Average airfares sit at approximately $800, making it a prime spot for an exotic escape[6]. On the other hand, Puerto Rico shines with warm weather and sandy beaches, anticipating an increase of 18% in tourist numbers. Flights typically cost around $300, offering a chance to enjoy vibrant local festivities[7].
New York City attracts travellers with a projected 12% increase in visitors during this period, driven by iconic festive events like the Times Square ball drop and the Rockefeller Center tree lighting. Expect an average fare of $450, significantly lower than summer rates[8]. Tbilisi, Georgia, offers flights from New York starting at about $500, combining rich culture and stunning architecture[9].
Santa Fe, New Mexico, offers unique adobe architecture and a burgeoning food scene, with round-trips from Denver or Phoenix around $200[10]. For families, planning a trip from Seattle to Vancouver can be economical, with fares around $250, combining urban exploration and winter activities[11].
Porto, Portugal, offers a charming riverside, local cuisine, and port wine tastings, with flights from several U.S. cities hovering around $600[12]. Montego Bay, Jamaica, is an intriguing alternative for a December getaway, offering enticing prices from Los Angeles International Airport for as low as $400[13].
For travellers from LAX, options have expanded significantly, especially to premier destinations, with many airlines offering competitive prices[14]. Airlines actively promote limited-time offers, especially for international travel. Cities like Cancun and Puerto Rico frequently feature round trips priced under $400[15].
In Vienna, where holiday markets light up the city, round trip options hover around $600, providing access to a rich cultural experience. The influx of tourists is expected to rise by 15% compared to last year[16]. Flying on Christmas Eve or New Year's Eve can also lead to significant savings, often exceeding $100 compared to weekend fares[17].
Remember, flexibility in travel dates can yield savings of up to 15%. Keep an eye on holiday packages that include lodging to enhance the overall experience and save further on expenses[18]. Social media platforms of airlines frequently post flash sales, reducing last-minute stress and expenses[19].
As you plan your December holiday travels, keep these tips in mind to secure the best flight deals and make the most of your festive getaway. Happy travels!
[1] https://www.skift.com/2021/10/26/the-best-time-to-book-a-christmas-flight-in-2021-is-now/ [2] https://www.smartasset.com/finance/airline-credit-cards [3] https://www.kayak.com/explore/trends/cheapest-domestic-flights-of-the-week [4] https://www.cheapair.com/blog/travel-tuesday-deals/ [5] https://www.cheapair.com/flights/from-JFK-to-SJU/ [6] https://www.kayak.com/explore/trends/cheapest-flights-to-tokyo-from-us-cities [7] https://www.kayak.com/explore/trends/cheapest-flights-to-puerto-rico-from-us-cities [8] https://www.kayak.com/explore/trends/cheapest-flights-to-new-york-city-from-us-cities [9] https://www.kayak.com/explore/trends/cheapest-flights-to-tbilisi-from-us-cities [10] https://www.kayak.com/explore/trends/cheapest-flights-to-santa-fe-from-us-cities [11] https://www.kayak.com/explore/trends/cheapest-flights-to-vancouver-from-us-cities [12] https://www.kayak.com/explore/trends/cheapest-flights-to-porto-from-us-cities [13] https://www.kayak.com/explore/trends/cheapest-flights-to-montego-bay-from-us-cities [14] https://www.kayak.com/explore/trends/cheapest-flights-from-lax-to-destinations [15] https://www.cheapair.com/flights/from-JFK-to-CUN/ [16] https://www.kayak.com/explore/trends/cheapest-flights-to-vienna-from-us-cities [17] https://www.cheapair.com/blog/flying-on-christmas-eve-or-new-years-day-can-save-you-money/ [18] https://www.kayak.com/explore/packages [19] https://www.cheapair.com/blog/social-media-airline-deals/
Considering the optimal booking timelines, securing the best travel deals for December holidays involves booking around 58 days in advance for domestic flights within the US, especially for Christmas trips, while early booking of 94 days is beneficial for international flights, particularly to Europe. Utilizing flight comparison tools, like Skyscanner or Google Flights, and subscribing to fare alerts can help save up to 30% on round-trip fares, providing an opportunity for a stylish lifestyle getaway. Travelers may also find a range of exotic escapes with deals starting from approximately $300, such as Puerto Rico or warm-weather destinations offering enticing cultural and festive experiences.
