If you’ve been procrastinating on booking that transatlantic flight home for the holidays, this week is the sweet spot for finding the best deal.
According to data provided to Quartz by Hopper, a travel app that analyzes fares to let users know the best time to book, flight prices from the US to Europe for Dec. 21 to Jan. 2 are currently averaging $937 round-trip, which is 9.7% less than a month ago, and 16% below fares this time last year. For flights going the other direction, Europe to the US, the average price for the same period is roughly $688 round trip, which is 12% lower than four weeks ago and nearly 20% less than this time last year. (Condé Nast Traveler first noted that this week is the best time for end-of-year booking.)
If you’re flying just within the US, this week also is your best shot at a deal. US flight prices for the Christmas holiday are currently averaging $307 round-trip, down 19% from this time last year.
So how much longer do you have to wait? According to Hopper, from Halloween onwards prices will start to steadily climb.
It’s good to know that if your travel dates are flexible—or you are trying to dodge the usual festivities—Hopper says that the cheapest day to depart is Tuesday, December 18. As for the return leg, Hopper says “Returning on Christmas evening will guarantee the biggest savings, but if you don’t want to miss Christmas dinner, the next cheapest day to return is Friday, December 28. If you’re willing to fly on the holiday itself, however, you’re looking at savings of 22%.”
The eggnog and mulled wine will be here before you know it, so make haste.