Published on
September 18, 2025
With fall coming up, vacations to Europe, Australia, Japan, and Thailand are in full swing. We know how expensive air travel can get. So we have put together some tips on how to get to these wonderful locations while saving some cash on your air ticket. We have some proof almost every time we use the strategies when we balance the timing, flexibility, and loyalty programs, we get the best airfares imaginable.
As fall approaches and the holiday season draws nearer, many travelers are starting to plan their much-anticipated trips. However, as the holidays approach, one thing often causes stress: the soaring cost of airfare. With so many factors influencing flight prices, booking a flight can feel like a gamble. Fortunately, Brian Kelly, the founder of The Points Guy, has unveiled a series of expert strategies to help you navigate the complexities of holiday flight booking without breaking the bank.
In a recent interview on Good Morning America, Kelly shared key insights into airfare trends for the fall 2025 season, offering guidance on when to book, which dates to choose, and how to make the most of rewards programs. Whether you’re planning a Thanksgiving getaway or a Christmas vacation, here’s how you can save money and secure the best flight deals this fall.
The Sweet Spot: The “Goldilocks” Approach to Booking Flights
One of Kelly’s most valuable pieces of advice revolves around finding the perfect time to book. Forget booking months in advance or waiting for last-minute deals—Kelly recommends using what he calls the “Goldilocks” approach: booking your flights 6 to 8 weeks before your travel date.
This timing ensures that you avoid the pitfalls of booking too early, when prices may not have dropped yet, and the risks of booking too late, when prices are likely to rise as availability dwindles. By booking in this optimal window, you can lock in reasonable prices without paying a premium for last-minute tickets.
Kelly also emphasizes the importance of flexibility when booking flights. Travelers who can adjust their dates—by shifting a day earlier or later than planned—can often find better deals as airlines tweak prices based on demand. To further optimize savings, he suggests booking flights on mid-week days, particularly Tuesdays and Wednesdays, when airlines tend to offer lower prices compared to the busy weekend rush.
Airfare Trends for Fall 2025: What to Expect
The latest data from The Points Guy suggests that airfare prices for the fall 2025 holiday season will be somewhat higher than usual, largely driven by continued demand and rising operational costs in the airline industry. According to Kelly, the increase in travel demand is a result of several factors, including the ongoing recovery from the pandemic and a higher number of international travelers.
Though prices are expected to be elevated, there are still opportunities to save. Kelly stresses that being strategic with your booking—by following the 6 to 8-week window and being flexible with your travel dates—can help travelers secure affordable fares even in a high-demand environment. The holiday season, including Thanksgiving and Christmas, typically sees the highest prices, but booking early and monitoring fare trends can help you lock in a better deal before prices skyrocket.
Best Days and Times to Fly: Mid-Week and Early Flights
For travelers looking to save on airfare, Kelly offers additional tips on the best days and times to fly. According to his insights, mid-week flights, especially those departing on Tuesdays or Wednesdays, tend to be the most affordable. These days typically see lower demand, which means airlines are more likely to offer discounted tickets compared to weekends when everyone is trying to book flights.
In addition to mid-week travel, Kelly advises opting for early morning or late-night flights, which are often less expensive than flights scheduled during peak hours. Flights that depart before 9:00 a.m. or after 8:00 p.m. are typically less popular, allowing airlines to offer lower prices. These flights may also face fewer delays and disruptions, offering a smoother travel experience.
While it might require some flexibility, early or late flights can be a great way to save money without compromising on the overall travel experience.
Maximizing Savings Through Loyalty Programs and Credit Cards
If you’re a frequent flyer, Kelly emphasizes the importance of leveraging loyalty programs and credit card rewards to maximize your savings. Many airlines offer frequent flyer programs that allow travelers to earn miles every time they fly, which can later be redeemed for free flights, upgrades, or other perks. Kelly suggests that travelers should sign up for these programs to build up points that can significantly offset the cost of flights.
Additionally, travel-focused credit cards offer excellent opportunities to earn rewards points with everyday purchases, which can be redeemed for airline tickets, hotel stays, and more. Some credit cards even offer co-branded airline benefits, such as bonus miles and priority boarding. By using these rewards strategically, frequent travelers can further reduce their travel costs, especially during the holiday rush.
Flexibility Is Essential for Lower Airfare
One of the most effective ways to secure cheaper flights, according to Kelly, is flexibility. While it’s easy to have your heart set on a particular travel date, being open to adjusting your plans can lead to significant savings. For example, flying a day before or after a major holiday, like Thanksgiving or Christmas, will often result in cheaper ticket prices compared to flying on the holiday itself.
Another smart trick is to consider flying into alternate airports. Major cities often have multiple airports, and choosing one that is slightly farther from your final destination can save you a considerable amount. From there, travelers can take a short taxi or public transportation to their destination, which could ultimately cut costs significantly.
Avoid Hidden Fees That Add Up
While finding an affordable base fare is a great start, Kelly cautions travelers to be mindful of the hidden fees that airlines often charge, which can quickly add up. From checked baggage fees to seat selection charges, these extra costs can turn a seemingly affordable flight into a much more expensive one. To avoid these surprises, Kelly recommends booking flights that include all extras, like baggage fees, in the total cost upfront. Alternatively, if possible, pack light and use a carry-on bag to avoid baggage fees altogether.
Also, consider looking for flights that offer free seat selection or include complimentary in-flight meals and entertainment to avoid paying extra for these services.
Booking Your Fall Flight: Final Tips for Holiday Travel
With the holidays just around the corner, it’s essential to start booking your flights sooner rather than later. Following Kelly’s expert advice on the ideal booking window, being flexible with your dates, and taking advantage of loyalty programs and credit card rewards can help you save significantly on airfare this fall.
While fall 2025 airfare prices may be higher than usual, savvy travelers can still find deals by being strategic. Keep in mind that the best time to book is within that 6 to 8-week window, and by choosing mid-week flights or early departures, you can make sure you’re paying the lowest fares possible.
By implementing these expert strategies, you can navigate the complexities of holiday flight booking and save money, all while enjoying a smooth and stress-free travel experience this fall.
