Economist advises booking holiday travel this fall, as prices are expected to increase.

• Those intending to travel for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year's should book their flights in October.
• According to Hayley Berg, lead economist at travel site Hopper, Dec. 3 or Travel Tuesday is one good day to bookmark.

The ideal time to book Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's travel is fast approaching, so if you want or need to travel this holiday season, start planning now.

"Hayley Berg, lead economist at travel site Hopper, advised travelers to prioritize planning and booking in October, as the brief window of low prices can significantly benefit them."

International travel demand drives 'travel momentum.' Relocating retirees seek lower cost of living. Homeowners may be 'overconfident in their retirement readiness.'

Travelers who miss the holiday travel window may have a final option: Travel Tuesday, the Tuesday following Thanksgiving, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday.

"The whole travel industry goes on sale that day," said Berg.

During the holiday season, traveling can be complicated, advised Sally French, a travel expert at NerdWallet.

Traveling during the holidays can be challenging due to both the expected tougher weather and larger crowds, according to French.

Here's how to make sure you're getting a good value.

When prices will be at their lowest

This year, holiday travel prices are slightly higher than they were last year, according to Berg.

According to Hopper's 2024 Holiday Travel Outlook report, the average cost of round-trip flights for Thanksgiving, which falls between Nov. 24 and 28, is currently around $298. This represents a 10% increase from the same time last year and a 3% rise from pre-pandemic levels.

The report predicts that prices will decrease by approximately $40 on average and reach their lowest point in early October, aligning with 2023 levels.

The average cost of a round-trip airfare booking for Christmas trips, which falls between Dec. 21 and 25, is currently $406, an increase of 4% from the previous year and 13% from pre-pandemic levels, according to Hopper.

According to the report, prices are predicted to decrease by approximately $80 from their current value until they reach their lowest point in October.

Berg advised travelers to book their trips now, emphasizing the importance of being prepared for October.

If you are "super last-minute and want to book something for Christmas or New Year's," according to Berg, "one good day to bookmark" is Dec. 3, or this year's Travel Tuesday.

Berg remarked that there's a chance to score a deal and make a last-minute swing, as the day's offers can feature significant discounts on hotel stays, airfare, and rental cars.

How to avoid holiday the travel 'domino effect'

Experts predict that during the holiday season, the increased number of flights and larger crowds at airlines and airports can result in "domino effect" issues.

The departure of a single flight that is 15 minutes late from a gate can disrupt the entire terminal's air traffic flow, according to Berg.

Inclement weather and technical malfunctions are typically the greatest risks, according to her.

Here are four key things to consider:

• Experts advise against flying on peak days, such as the Sunday before and after Thanksgiving, which have historically been the busiest days to fly, as recorded by French.

• Booking the first flight of the day increases your chances of avoiding delays and cancellations, according to Berg.

• If it's essential to be at your destination for Christmas dinner, consider flying in a few days early or allow extra time for delays and cancellations.

• Knowing about nearby airports can be beneficial in finding more affordable options, said French. However, it may require a longer drive to reach your destination, but it can be worth it if it's crucial to arrive, she added.