It's time to book: When to buy holiday, spring break and summer flights for the best fares in 2026-27

Flights during peak travel periods — like the holidays, spring break and summer — are usually expensive, but the soaring cost of jet fuel has made prices even worse.This summer, airfare prices were as much as 27% higher than they were last summer. While the holiday fares don't look as bad yet, they are still up substantially year over year.Right now, new data from TPG's partner, Points Path, shows cash fares have been running between 9% and 13% year-over-year for Thanksgiving travel searches in the past few weeks.Christmas fares are ranging between 12% and 18% higher. International fares for the holidays are up 16%.Related: Hear us out: It might be time to book holiday flights alreadyThat's why it's more important than ever to know when to book.Finding valuable airline deals during peak travel times can depend on a few factors. Here's what airfare experts say about how timing influences airfare prices, so you can maximize airfare savings on your next booking.Now is the time to book holiday travelCLINT HENDERSON/THE POINTS GUYTPG generally recommends booking domestic flights one to two months in advance and international flights three to five months in advance.This year's airfare en...