Booking flights for the whole family can be a costly endeavor, but with a few strategic tricks up your sleeve, you can save big while ensuring a smooth travel experience for everyone. Timing is everything when it comes to airfare deals, especially for families with multiple tickets to buy. Below, we break down the best time to book cheap plane tickets for families, while adding fun tips, tools, and data to make your next adventure more affordable and exciting!
Why Timing is Everything for Families
Best time to get cheap plane tickets for families? It’s all about timing and flexibility. When booking for the whole crew, airfare costs can quickly skyrocket, so planning is crucial.
Pro Tip: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays are the golden days for scoring cheaper flights. They’re less popular travel days, meaning fewer travelers and lower fares. Bonus: Fewer travelers also mean more space for your little ones to spread out and relax.
Stay Flexible: If you can be flexible with your dates, you’re in for some great savings. Even shifting your trip by just one day could save you hundreds on flights for the family! Plus, flying into or out of nearby airports might mean significant savings (Thrifty Traveler).
When to Book: Domestic vs. International Flights
Timing your booking right can make all the difference when hunting for deals. Here’s the breakdown:
Domestic Flights
For U.S. flights, the best time to get cheap plane tickets for families is typically 21 to 60 days before departure.
- Pro Tip: Keep your eyes peeled for deals on Tuesdays when airlines are more likely to drop their prices. And set up Google Flights alerts to get notified when fares fall into your desired range.
International Flights
If you’re dreaming of a family adventure overseas, it’s best to book 2-3 months in advance. For even bigger trips like Europe, start looking 6 months out. While booking early might seem like a hassle, it can often lock in much lower rates.
- Pro Tip: The shoulder season (the time between peak and off-peak) is a great time to find cheaper tickets, avoid crowds, and enjoy cooler weather—perfect for family travel.
Fun and Simple Hacks for Cheap Family Flights
Families need to think smart and act fast when it comes to booking affordable tickets. Check out these fun tips to save more on your next family vacation:
Fly on Holidays: It may sound strange, but flying on holidays like Thanksgiving Day or Christmas can actually be cheaper than flying the week before or after. Just imagine celebrating in the sky or on arrival—an adventure in itself!
Family-Friendly Airlines: Some airlines are friendlier than others for families. Southwest, for instance, lets you rebook if prices drop, and they don’t charge for checked bags. Make sure to check the policies for the airline you’re flying with before you book.
Consider Alternate Airports: Sure, it’s more convenient to fly into major hubs, but smaller regional airports may offer better deals and less hectic travel experiences. It’s also fun to drive through scenic routes and discover off-the-beaten-path gems on the way to your destination.
Pro Tip: Sign Up for Fare Alerts on Google Flights: Step-by-Step
Setting up price alerts on Google Flights is one of the easiest ways to monitor flight prices and grab deals when they drop. It’s especially helpful for families looking to book multiple tickets! Here’s a quick guide to get you started:
Go to Google Flights
Open Google Flights on your browser. It’s best to use this on a desktop, but it works great on mobile too.Search for Your Destination
Enter your departure city and destination in the search fields. You can also choose whether you want one-way or round-trip flights.Choose Your Travel Dates
Input your desired travel dates. Remember, if you’re flexible, try adjusting to midweek dates like Tuesdays or Wednesdays for better deals!Turn on Price Tracking
Once you’ve chosen your destination and dates, you’ll see a toggle switch labeled “Track prices” right above the flight results. Turn this on to receive email updates when flight prices for your selected route go up or down.Track Flexible Dates
If your travel dates aren’t set in stone, you can also track general trends for a range of dates by selecting the “Any dates” option in the date picker. This is great for spotting the cheapest time to fly within a certain month or season.Check Your Email for Alerts
Now, just sit back and relax. Google Flights will automatically send you email updates whenever there’s a price change for the flights you’re tracking. These alerts give you the power to book at the perfect moment, saving you big bucks!Bonus Tip – Explore Feature
Not sure where you want to go yet? Use Google Flights’ Explore feature to see the cheapest destinations based on your departure city and find inspiration for your next family trip.
Holiday Travel: Timing is Everything
Holiday travel is usually the most expensive time to fly, but with a little planning, you can still get a great deal. For major holidays like Thanksgiving or Christmas, 36 to 74 days before your trip is the best window to book.
- Pro Tip: The cheapest flights for Thanksgiving tend to fall around 52 days out, while Christmas travel should be booked roughly 54 to 78 days in advance. Plan accordingly, and you’ll be amazed at how much you save!
Family-Specific Hacks: Making It Work for Everyone
Keep It Fun for the Kids: When booking flights, think about how to make the experience smoother for the whole family. Pack a surprise goody bag for the little ones, bring their favorite snacks, and download some family-friendly movies ahead of time. You’ll be grateful for the distractions!
Travel Rewards for Families: Signing up for travel rewards programs is a no-brainer. Credit cards like the Capital One – Venture X can help you accumulate points toward free flights for the whole family. Just remember to use the points wisely—saving them for big trips or holiday travel might give you the biggest bang for your buck.
Fly with a Budget Airline: While low-cost airlines like Spirit or Frontier may get a bad rap, they’re often great for shorter flights where you don’t need extra frills. Pack light, skip the seat selection fee, and you’ve got yourself a family-friendly budget trip!
Conclusion: Get Ready for Your Next Family Adventure!
Now that you know the best time to get cheap plane tickets for families, it’s time to start planning! Be flexible, stay on top of flight alerts, and embrace the joy of finding a great deal that leaves more room in the budget for all the family fun activities. Don’t forget: your adventure starts as soon as you book that flight, so enjoy the process!
Happy Travel!
