If you’ve been dreaming of taking a big trip before the year ends, November might be your best ally. This month marks one of the most favorable windows in the calendar to find long-haul flights at much lower prices, right before the holiday season rush.
While many travelers focus on short local getaways or start thinking about winter vacations, airlines take advantage of these traditionally quieter weeks to fill their planes. The result: more affordable fares, less crowded routes, and unique opportunities for those who know how to look.
In this article, we’ll explain why November is the best time to book long-haul flights, which destinations offer the best deals, and how to use every trick to get the lowest possible fare.
Why November Is a Key Month to Find Cheap Flights
November is considered a transition month in the airline calendar. It doesn’t belong to the high summer demand or the December holiday rush. Airlines need to fill seats on intercontinental routes, especially to the Americas, Asia, and Oceania, which pushes them to offer temporary promotions and discounted fares.
Another key factor is Black Friday, which in recent years has become a true discount season for the travel industry. Airlines and travel agencies release special offers from mid- to late November, sometimes even a week before the famous shopping day.
If you know when to look and how to set up alerts, you can save between 25% and 40% on long-haul flights compared to standard prices.
In addition, many destination countries (such as Japan, Thailand, or the United States) consider November to be a shoulder season: fewer tourists, pleasant temperatures, and better accommodation prices. This means not only cheaper flights but also a more affordable and enjoyable overall trip.
Long-Haul Destinations with the Best Prices in November
Southeast Asia: Thailand, Vietnam, and Malaysia
After the monsoon and before the Christmas rush, November offers cheaper flights to Bangkok, Hanoi, or Kuala Lumpur. Airlines like Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, and Emirates often launch stopover deals for under €600 round trip from Spain.
The weather also starts to improve, with warm temperatures and less rain, ideal for exploring beaches or temples without the crowds.
Latin America: Mexico, Colombia, and Argentina
Flights to Latin America tend to drop in November before rising again in December. Cities like Mexico City, Bogotá, or Buenos Aires can be found between €500 and €700, especially when booking with airlines that connect through Europe or the United States.
It’s a great month to enjoy the start of the southern summer or the many cultural festivals in Mexico and Colombia.
The United States and Canada
With summer’s high season behind and the holiday rush still ahead, November is one of the cheapest months to fly to North America.
Cities like New York, Toronto, or Chicago often have fares up to 30% lower than in December. Plus, the changing seasons make it a magical time to experience the urban fall or take advantage of Black Friday shopping deals right at your destination.
Africa and the Middle East
Warmer long-haul destinations like Morocco, Egypt, or the United Arab Emirates maintain moderate prices in November. From Madrid or Barcelona, you can find tickets to Dubai or Cairo for under €400, with good availability of direct flights.
Temperatures are much more pleasant than in the summer months, allowing travelers to combine remote work and exotic escapes without suffering from extreme heat.
Oceania: Australia and New Zealand
Although flights to this region are always among the most expensive, November often brings small discount windows before the southern hemisphere’s high season. Some airlines launch “early summer” deals with up to 15% off routes to Sydney, Melbourne, or Auckland.
Booking early and playing with stopover options (for example, via Dubai or Doha) can make a big difference in the final price.
When to Book: The Key Weeks of the Month
According to major flight comparison tools, the best time to book usually falls between the second and third weeks of November. During these days, many airlines launch pre–Black Friday campaigns, while prices have yet to reflect December’s typical demand increase.
Tuesdays and Wednesdays also remain the best days to find lower fares, as airlines adjust prices after the weekend and before the heavy Friday search traffic.
If your goal is to travel over Christmas or in January, booking in November can also save you a significant amount. Intercontinental flight prices usually rise by 30–40% starting in the first week of December.
Strategies to Get the Best Prices
One of the keys to saving is flexibility. Don’t fixate on a single destination, look for alternative routes, secondary airports, or longer layovers. Often, a flight with a stopover in Lisbon, Istanbul, or Dubai can be up to €200 cheaper than a direct one.
Set up price alerts on platforms like Google Flights and Skyscanner. These tools automatically notify you when fares drop or when airlines launch flash promotions.
It’s also a good idea to clear cookies or use your browser’s incognito mode to avoid price increases caused by repeated searches.
Another effective strategy is to book one-way tickets separately, especially for long-haul routes. Sometimes combining different airlines for the outbound and return flights can result in a much lower total price.
And don’t forget to check cancellation or change policies: many airlines still offer flexible options, allowing you to grab a great deal without worrying about losing your money if your plans change.
The Black Friday and Cyber Monday Effect
Black Friday and Cyber Monday aren’t just for tech or fashion shopping, more and more airlines and travel agencies use these dates to launch their biggest discounts. In 2024, for example, airlines such as Iberia, Air France, Lufthansa, and Emirates offered up to 35% off long-haul flights, and the trend is expected to continue this year.
If your travel dates are flexible, the ideal approach is to monitor prices from early November and purchase the moment the fare drops. Deal-focused sites like Secret Flying or Travel Dealz publish the best opportunities daily.
A Month for Smart Travelers
Ultimately, November is the perfect month for travelers who know how to read market trends and book strategically. Not only is it easier to find cheaper fares, but you’ll also enjoy less crowded destinations, better hotel availability, and a more relaxed travel experience.
Planning ahead, taking advantage of pre–Black Friday weeks, and staying flexible are the three keys to traveling farther while spending less. So if you’ve been waiting for the perfect moment to book your next long-haul flight, November might just be that turning point between impulse and opportunity.
Start your search, set your alerts, and get your suitcase ready, the skies of November are full of great deals waiting to take off with you.
