Here’s When To Book Your Thanksgiving Flight From New York for the Best Price

If you’ve ever searched for Thanksgiving flights and felt your jaw drop at the prices, you’re definitely not alone. Between family plans, school schedules, and unpredictable weather, trying to find a deal in or out of New York can feel like a game you can’t win. But according to new data from NetCredit, there actually is a winning strategy and it all comes down to timing.

When to Start Looking for the Flight Deals

New Yorkers don’t have to plan months in advance, but waiting too long can cost you. The study found that flights to and from New York are usually cheapest when booked about 34 days in advance. That means if you’re flying home for Thanksgiving, your sweet spot to buy is right around mid to late October. Whether you’re catching a flight from Albany, Syracuse, or JFK, a little early planning can make a big difference in your wallet.

Each New York Airport Has Its Own Best Booking Window

While the statewide average is 34 days, the best time to book can vary depending on where you fly. Flights from Albany International Airport hit their lowest prices around 27 days in advance, while Buffalo Niagara International Airport is closer to 37 days, and Syracuse Hancock International Airport averages 38 days. So if you live upstate, you might want to start looking a little sooner than someone flying out of LaGuardia or JFK.

READ MORE: Radar Detectors in New York: What Drivers Should Know

Why Timing Is Everything for Thanksgiving Flights

Thanksgiving is one of the busiest travel weeks of the year and airlines know it. Seats fill fast, and prices spike as soon as demand surges. Even though airfare overall is down about 5% compared to last year and more than 12% lower than a decade ago, it’s still smart to plan ahead. Google Flights data shows that the best price window for most domestic flights falls between 21 and 52 days before takeoff, which puts New York’s 34 day average right in that sweet spot.

Simple Travel Tweaks That Can Save You Big Money

If your schedule is flexible, try flying on less popular days. Tuesdays and Saturdays usually offer better prices than the busy Wednesday rush. You can also save by checking nearby airports. For example, flying out of Islip or White Plains instead of a big city hub. And don’t forget to set price alerts on Google Flights or Kayak so you’ll know the moment fares drop.

Don’t Wait Until November to Start Searching for Flights

If you’re planning to fly in or out of New York for Thanksgiving, don’t wait until the calendar flips to November to start searching. The best deals tend to vanish by then, especially for nonstop routes to popular destinations like Florida or the Carolinas. Book early, keep an eye on those alerts, and go into the holiday knowing you scored a better deal than most travelers.

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A Little Planning Now Means Less Stress Later

New York airports are some of the busiest in the country, which means the best fares go fast. With just a bit of early planning and maybe a little flexibility, you can save enough to splurge on that second slice of pumpkin pie once you get there. After all, the holidays are stressful enough; your flight shouldn’t be.