Montana Travelers: Here’s When to Book Thanksgiving Flights for Less

If you’re planning to fly out of Montana this Thanksgiving, the timing of your ticket purchase could make a big difference in how much you pay. According to a new study from NetCredit, there’s a sweet spot for booking flights to every state and for Montanans, it’s all about planning ahead.

Book About a Month Ahead for the Best Thanksgiving Deals

When it comes to cheap airfare, Montana travelers don’t want to wait until the last minute. The study found that the best deals for flights to Montana pop up about 39 days in advance. That means if you’re flying back home for Thanksgiving, aim to buy your ticket in mid-October. For flights out of Montana, the numbers are similar. Data from Billings, Missoula, and Bozeman airports show that buying about four to six weeks ahead usually lands you the lowest fares.

Thanksgiving Flights Are Cheaper If You Time It Right

Airfare prices across the U.S. are actually lower than they were last year, down about 5% from March 2024 and over 12% cheaper than a decade ago. But with Thanksgiving being one of the busiest travel periods of the year, prices can spike fast. Google Flights data suggests that the “historical low price range” for domestic flights falls between 21 and 52 days before takeoff, and Montana sits right in the middle of that window.

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Montana Travelers Shouldn’t Wait Too Long to Book

While some states like Rhode Island see their cheapest flights just three weeks before travel, Montana isn’t one of them. Because our airports are smaller and our routes more limited, flights tend to fill up faster. That means waiting until November to book could cost you, both in price and seat selection.

Smart Travel Tips to Save Money and Avoid Stress

If you’re traveling to see family this Thanksgiving, a little planning can go a long way toward saving money and stress. Start by setting price alerts on Google Flights or Kayak so you can keep an eye on fare changes and snag the best deal when prices drop. Try to be flexible with your travel dates too like flying out on a Tuesday instead of the usual Wednesday rush can make a surprising difference in cost.

It’s also worth checking flights out of smaller airports like Bozeman or Missoula, which sometimes offer lower fares than Billings. And if you plan to drive to a larger airport for your flight, remember to factor in Montana's unpredictable winter weather. Leaving a little earlier or building in extra time for road conditions can help ensure you get where you’re going safely and stress free.

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Lock In Your Thanksgiving Flight Before Halloween

So if you’re planning to travel for Thanksgiving, mark your calendar about five to six weeks out. For most Montanans, that means locking in your flight before Halloween to score the best deal. After that, prices only go up and the last thing anyone wants is to spend more on a plane ticket than the turkey dinner waiting at the other end.