Montana, It's Already Time to Book Your Holiday Travel

Summer is winding down and with the activities of fall, whether we want to or not, it's already time to plan for the holidays.

I know for some people it's still a shock to see pumpkin beer in August, or that pumpkin pie Blizzards are back at Dairy Queen, but if you plan to travel during the holiday season, it's already almost too late to book your flights.

This has been on my mind lately because I'll be traveling for the holidays. I'm looking forward to flying out of the new and improved Missoula Airport, and p.s., if you didn't know, the airport just updated its policy on meeting travelers at the gate.

A press release from Brian Ellestad, Airport Director for the Missoula Montana Aiport, announced the new "Explore MSO Pass" that just launched. This "allows non-ticketed guests to venture past the security checkpoint" the release says, which will "make MSO more accessible and enjoyable."

Before September 11, accompanying a traveler to the gate was commonplace at many airports. There is something nostalgic and heartwarming about meeting someone at the gate when they deboard a plane.

If you are planning to travel for the holidays, Travel + Leisure has recommendations for when to book your flights in 2024. The travel expert they spoke to says to focus on "the Goldilocks Zones." That means "three to seven months ahead for domestic travel and four to 10 months ahead for international travel."

If you need to book a flight for Thanksgiving you better do it right now if you want the best price, and you're a little late if you plan to travel internationally. If you're booking a flight for Christmas or other December holidays, you're still within the three to seven-month window, but you only have about a month left.

You may have slightly more success if you book within a week or two of any holidays instead of on the most popular days to travel. Good luck!