Skyscanner reveals the best time to book cheap Christmas flights

We know, we know: We only just exited a heatwave. Its far too soon to think about Christmas.

But if you want to have a festive period that doesnt decimate your savings, nows the time to plan; especially if youre hoping to travel in December.

Skyscanner has released research that looks into the best time to book cheap flights over Christmas.

They say that you can save an average of 30% on airfares if you book between 17 and 18 weeks before your break.

So for Christmas, that means booking between 20 August and 27th August. Thats pretty soon, FYI.

Prices of flights will only go up as we get closer to Christmas, so as annoying as it may be to confirm family plans that far in advance, its worth looking into trips now will likely save you enough cash to make the bother worth it.

When youre booking your flights its worth thinking about the best days to head out, too.

Skyscanner says that 21 December is one of the most expensive days of the year to travel, and its one of the most common dates people choose.

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If you push your departure to 23 December, you could save a little more cash. Its up to you to decide whether that saving is worth cutting your trip two days short.

In short: Start planning and booking flights now, bug your family members to decide what theyre doing, and then feel smug when youre all sorted with months to go.

And whatever you do, dont book flights the week before Christmas. The prices may bring you to tears.

Quick tips for finding cheap flights:

Search for flights in incognito mode so your search data doesnt affect the price youre offered
Look at prices before you decide on exact dates – youll notice certain days are much cheaper. Fridays are usually cheaper days to fly out.
Book your flights on a Monday. Thats usually when flights are cheaper.
Keep an eye out for flash sales. Its worth setting a Google alert on your phone so you get notified the moment your dream flight goes on sale.

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