Budget-friendly Thanksgiving travel tips: Save big on flights in 2024

Thanksgiving is a popular event in the United States, where families meet to show affection, enjoy delicious meals, and make memorable experiences. It is, therefore, also one of the busiest travel times of the year, which usually results in high airfare costs. Traveling during this time of year can be costly for many. However, there are ways to find cheap flights and save a lot of money this Thanksgiving if you know where to search and how to use them. JetSaver compares many airlines to provide you with the lowest possible ticket rates, saving you from the stress of planning the cost of your trip so you can spend more time with your loved ones.

We will provide a few helpful tips that can assist you get through the 2024 Thanksgiving travel season on a budget.

Start searching for deals early

When booking a flight, starting your search early is one of the most important recommendations that meets your budget. Traveling for Thanksgiving is generally expected to bring increases in prices as the holiday comes closer, and purchasing at the last minute can result in additional costs. It is best to start your search months in advance, as this will provide you entry to a larger variety of flights and cheaper prices.

With JetSaver, you can compare flight prices from several airlines. You can get an advantage over people who wait for too long to book by keeping updated on price patterns early on and creating alerts, particularly when prices decrease.

Be flexible with travel dates

Being adaptable with your travel dates can result in major savings, provided that your schedule allows it. The Wednesday before and Sunday after Thanksgiving are usually the most traveled days for travel during the holiday. You will generally find cheaper airfares if you decide to stay away from these major days and decide to travel on less crowded days, like the Tuesday or Friday before or afterward.

You can use the search tools on JetSaver to reduce down flights according to a particular time of day, which gives you the freedom to change your travel plan to include cheaper options. When trying to book a flight at a reasonable price, flexibility can make all the difference.

Use fare comparison tools

One of the most effective ways to find the best airline fares is to use a fare comparison tool. That is what JetSaver is designed to do, our platform searches for flights which helps to compare airfares from several airlines so you can get the lowest possible price. Let JetSaver carry out the research for you by collecting all of your options in one convenient location that saves you a lot of time which you could be spending to search through multiple airline websites.

Consider nearby airports

It is important to find out flights to and from the closest airports if you live near or in a major city that has multiple airports, or if there are alternative airport options at your destination. Smaller or minor airports can have cheaper tickets due to less demand and traffic.

Using JetSaver's flight comparison tool, you can compare costs and select the most affordable choice by looking for flights to and from multiple airports. If you plan on going to New York City, for example, you may choose to start looking for airfares into Newark or LaGuardia instead of JFK. A similar situation would be the same for the remaining cities as well with several airports.

Fly early or late in the day

The cost of travel could be affected as well by the duration of your flight. Due to lower demand, flights early in the morning or late at night are usually more affordable than flights at noon. Even though these delay times may not be as convenient, you can save a lot of money and the airport will not be as busy.

Always remember to include early morning or late-night flights in your JetSaver search to check for any major savings. Sometimes, minor discomfort regarding flight time can end up in a major financial advantage.

Look for deals on budget airlines

Due to their affordable and cost-effective both domestic and international flights, low-cost airlines have grown more and more popular in the last few years. Even though they may not provide as many services as most famous airlines, these airlines continue to save you plenty of money, which makes them perfect for last-minute Thanksgiving travel.

Budget airline options are listed in JetSaver's comparison tool so you can compare the cost savings against any possible drawbacks. Budget airlines can be a great choice if cost is your top priority.

Book one-way flights with different airlines

To save money on Thanksgiving travel, an additional, less popular suggestion is to consider booking two separate flights from the same airline instead of buying a return ticket. By buying separate tickets for the entire trip, you may also get flight tickets at cheaper rates provided by multiple airlines on a particular part of your trip.

With JetSaver it is simple to compare a return flight from several airlines. This method can result in large savings, particularly if you use it on days with high demand for flights when traveling costs are usually higher.

Use airline miles and travel rewards

Thanksgiving is the perfect moment to spend any airline miles or credit card travel rewards that you have been saving. You can use your miles to pay for flights on many airlines. Even if you don't have sufficient points for a free trip, you can still be able to use your miles to cover some of the cost.

With the help of JetSaver, you can find out which airlines provide flight reward redemption, giving you a decrease in the overall price of your trip. Remember to check for any restrictions or ban dates that may be in effect during the Thanksgiving travel period.

Take advantage of flash sales and promotions

At regular intervals, airlines will have sudden discounts or discounted rates, particularly on holidays when travel is at the highest level. If you want to some money on flight bookings, you should react fast to enjoy the advantage of these limited deals.

By regularly checking JetSaver's platform, you can stay up to date on the most recent flash deals and promotions from different airlines. To ensure that you are the first to know when a great deal is available, create notifications for particular routes and have the greatest chance to get an amazing deal.

Consider reducing baggage costs

Paying for checked baggage for a Thanksgiving trip with family can instantly add up. Many airlines charge fees for each checked bag, so it is important to think about different ways to reduce or avoid these costs.

To avoid paying more for the luggage you can, it is a better idea to bring only carry-on luggage and travel with less luggage. You can use JetSaver to find airlines that provide free carry-on luggage. In addition, as part of their travel advantages, some credit cards allow free checked luggage. Therefore, check whether this is something your card provides before booking a ticket.

Monitor price trends and book when the time is right

Flight costs will be associated with regular changes, particularly during times when there is huge travel demand, such as Thanksgiving. However, it can be attractive to book as soon as you find an excellent deal, it is necessary that you track price changes and respond when the time is appropriate.

With the help of JetSaver's price tracker option, you can continue to keep updated on changes in ticket prices and choose when you should make the booking for the cheapest price. You can ensure you don't miss out on possible price reductions by setting up notifications, which will remind you when prices decrease.

Consider alternative destinations

If you have flexible travel dates for Thanksgiving and if you want to have a great traveling experience than the location, think about visiting other cities that may have cheaper airfares. For example, if airfares to a large city are too high, consider other neighboring locations that could provide similar attractions at cheaper rates.

JetSaver’s flight comparison tool makes it easy to search for flights to multiple destinations, so you can find the most affordable option for your Thanksgiving getaway. Whether you’re visiting family or planning a holiday escape, being open to different destinations can help you save significantly.

Travel light and avoid extra fees

Many airlines charge for additional services like checked luggage, early boarding, and seat selection. You need to prepare for these other costs when you plan a flight, as they can sum up. However, there are ways to reduce or remove these costs.

JetSaver can help you compare airline policies regarding these extras, so you can choose flights that include amenities like free seat selection or baggage allowances. By avoiding unnecessary fees, you’ll be able to stick to your budget and maximize your savings.

Thanksgiving travel doesn’t have to break the bank. By utilizing these budget-friendly travel tips and leveraging the power of JetSaver’s flight comparison tools, you can save big on flights in 2024. From booking early and being flexible with your travel dates to taking advantage of alternative airports and monitoring flash sales, there are plenty of ways to reduce the cost of your Thanksgiving flights.

With JetSaver it has been so easy to locate the cheapest flight deals. Plan your trip soon to avoid the financial burden of high travel costs and have a stress-free Thanksgiving. JetSaver can assist you in finding the most excellent airline deals, whether you're planning a holiday escape or an international journey to see loved ones.

Happy Thanksgiving, and safe travels!

Best days to fly around Thanksgiving

The best days to fly around Thanksgiving are usually the Monday, Tuesday, or Thanksgiving Day (Thursday) for outbound travel, when there are less people and lower fares.  The following Tuesday or the Friday after Thanksgiving are the best dates for return flights in order to avoid the busiest travel days and the highest airfares.

When is Thanksgiving in 2024?

Thanksgiving in 2024 will be celebrated on Thursday, November 28th. The holiday comes on the fourth Thursday of November every year in the United States.

Why do we celebrate Thanksgiving?

The tradition dates back to 1621, when the Pilgrims and Native Americans shared a feast to celebrate a successful harvest. Thanksgiving is a moment to express gratitude for the previous year's harvest and blessings.

Best way to celebrate Thanksgiving?

The best way to celebrate Thanksgiving is by spending time with loved ones, enjoying a delicious meal (often featuring turkey, stuffing, and pumpkin pie), and reflecting on the things you're grateful for.

How to get cheap thanksgiving flights

To get cheap Thanksgiving flights, start by booking early—ideally in September or early October—as fares tend to rise as the holiday approaches. Consider flying on off-peak days, like the Monday or Tuesday before Thanksgiving, and returning on Friday instead of Sunday to avoid peak pricing.

What is the best time to book Thanksgiving flights 2024?

The best time to book Thanksgiving flights for 2024 is ideally 6 to 8 weeks in advance, typically around mid-September to early October. This allows you to secure better deals and avoid the holiday price surge.