Thanksgiving Travel: How to Score Cheap Flights, According to Google

Thanksgiving week is one of the busiest travel periods of the year, but it doesn’t have to break the bank. Google Flights has shared new insights into where Americans are heading this season and the smartest ways to score cheap flights.

If you want to save on airfare, timing matters. Google Flights’ analysis of four years of data shows that Thanksgiving flights are typically cheapest about 35 days before departure, with the low-price window ranging from 24 to 59 days out.

That means the sweet spot for booking is usually in October. Waiting until the last minute, especially in the final two weeks before the holiday, almost always means paying more.

Flying on the right days can make a big difference. The cheapest days to travel are Monday through Wednesday, saving around 13% compared to weekend departures. If you can shift your schedule to leave on Tuesday or even Thanksgiving morning, you’ll likely find better deals.

And here’s good news: you don’t need to obsess over what day of the week you book your ticket. Google found that Tuesday has been slightly cheaper, but only by about 1.3% compared with Sunday, the most expensive day. So focus more on when you fly rather than the exact day you click “buy.”

If cost is your top priority, consider itineraries with a layover. On average, taking a one-stop flight saves about 22% compared to nonstop routes. For Thanksgiving, when fares are elevated, that can translate to meaningful savings, though it’s smart to allow extra time for connections in case of delays.

Key Takeaways

• Thanksgiving flights are cheapest about 35 days before departure.
• October is the best month to book for Thanksgiving travel.
• Avoid last-minute booking — prices spike in the final two weeks.
• Monday–Wednesday departures are about 13% cheaper than weekend flights.
• Tuesday or Thanksgiving morning departures often have the best deals.
• The day you book matters less — price differences are small across the week.
• One-stop flights save ~22% vs. nonstop but plan extra time for connections.

This year’s data shows travelers are looking beyond the usual vacation destinations and heading to smaller, mid-sized cities across the country. These are the ten destinations with the biggest jump in Google Flights searches for Thanksgiving 2025:

1. Columbia, South Carolina: Perfect for mild fall weather and a slower pace.
2. Bozeman, Montana: Gateway to Yellowstone and early-season skiing.
3. Spokane, Washington: Perfect for those who want a cozy, small-city holiday.
4. Detroit, Michigan: Catch the legendary Thanksgiving Day parade or a Lions game.
5. Omaha, Nebraska: A growing food scene and family-friendly attractions.
6. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania: Scenic bridges, museums, and hearty cold-weather eats.
7. Panama City, Florida: Beachside turkey day for travelers craving warmth.
8. Little Rock, Arkansas: History, nature trails, and southern hospitality.
9. Knoxville, Tennessee: Fall colors linger in the Smokies just outside the city.
10. Colorado Springs, Colorado: Great for mountain views and crisp, cool air.

These cities are trending partly because they offer a combination of affordability and festive experiences, plus they can be less crowded than major coastal cities.

Thanksgiving travel doesn’t have to be stressful or expensive. Pick a trending destination like Bozeman or Columbia to change things up, book around a month ahead to catch the lowest fares, and consider mid-week travel days and layovers to save even more.

By using Google Flights’ tools and paying attention to timing, you can spend less time worrying about airfare and more time enjoying turkey, pie, and time with loved ones!