New Year flights: when to book and how to save
When to book flights for the New Year holidays, which departure dates are cheaper, how to avoid overpaying and what to prepare in advance.
The New Year holidays are the most expensive period for flights: demand is huge, and seats on popular routes run out months before the holiday. Here is when to buy tickets for New Year and how to cut the cost.
When to book New Year flights
The general rule: the earlier the cheaper, especially to resorts. Guides:
- International destinations (Turkey, the UAE, Egypt, Thailand, Vietnam): 3-5 months ahead. If you are reading this in October, it is the right time to look at options.
- Domestic flights: 2-3 months ahead.
- Short hops between cities: 1-2 months ahead, but cheap fares on peak days disappear first.
Prices rise in jumps in the days before the holiday, and after mid-December there are almost no seats left at a good price. The general principles of choosing the moment are in when to book cheap flights.
Which departure dates are cheaper
The most expensive days are the last days of December and January 2-3 for departure, and January 7-10 for return flights. What helps:
- Departing before the peak: for example December 20-25 instead of December 29-30.
- Flying on New Year's Eve or January 1: demand for these dates is lower, and tickets are often cheaper (but check the schedule on the day of departure).
- Returning not on the last day of the holidays: choose a date 1-2 days earlier or later than the general flow.
- Open-jaw tickets: out to one city and back from another, which sometimes turns out cheaper.
Where to fly for New Year on a budget
Look at destinations where it is warm in winter or where there is something to see without big expense. Follow the entry conditions: rules change, so check them before you buy.
How not to overpay
- Compare prices in the low-fare calendar. In the HotTrip flight search you can see how the price changes by day, and often a difference of one day saves a lot: the low-fare calendar.
- Count baggage. In the holidays people take more things and gifts, and a no-baggage fare may turn out not worth it: no-baggage fares: what you can take.
- Think about a connection. An option with one stop is often cheaper than a direct flight, but leave a time margin: flights with a layover.
- Check partners. Compare the price on Aviasales before you pay.
What to consider in advance
- The validity of your passport and the entry requirements of the country.
- Travel insurance: travel insurance for trips abroad.
- Refund terms: in the holidays plans change more often.
Frequently asked questions
How many months ahead should I buy tickets for New Year?
For foreign resorts it is best 3-5 months before departure, and for domestic destinations 2-3 months. The closer the date and the more popular the destination, the higher the price.
On which days are New Year tickets the most expensive?
Usually December 28-31 for departure and January 7-10 for return flights. If you move the departure a week earlier or fly on the holiday itself, you can often save noticeably.
Is it cheaper to fly on December 31?
Often yes: there are fewer passengers on New Year's Eve, and tickets can be cheaper. But there are fewer offers, and it is better to re-check the schedule a few days before departure.
Can I find hot tickets for New Year?
Sometimes: airlines cut prices on unsold seats, but on popular routes such seats are taken quickly. It is more reliable to buy in advance and follow the special offers feed.
Cover: photo by Darcy Lawrey on Pexels
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