When to Book Flights Abroad for Public Holidays?

For trips abroad during public holidays, tickets should be bought 3-6 months before the flight for the best price, according to Pegasus. This is not a legal requirement but a recommended range. If a visa is needed, the timeline should be planned accordingly. This article covers purchase timing, ticket type differences, common mistakes and the steps to follow.

In short

• The recommended range for holiday flight tickets is 3-6 months before departure; this is a suggestion, not a requirement.
• For Eid al-Adha trips to European routes, it's recommended to start the Schengen application at least 2-3 months in advance.
• Don't buy a non-refundable ticket before your visa approval is confirmed; read the refund and change conditions.
• Verify baggage allowance, name spelling and connection time before purchasing.

The core rule: 3-6 months before the flight

According to Pegasus, for the best prices, holiday flight tickets should be bought 3-6 months before the flight. This isn't a legal obligation; it's a recommended range in terms of price and seat availability. It's reasonable to factor in that options may narrow for flights during holiday periods. Leaving the ticket decision until the holiday approaches may limit your choice of time and price.

For Eid al-Adha, the same airline recommends booking early to secure your seat, but it doesn't specify an exact period. So don't read this recommendation as "you can wait until such a date." The clear range we have regarding timing is 3-6 months.

Here's a practical way to read it:

• If your dates are fixed, consider buying early within the range.
• If your dates are flexible, monitor prices within the range, but don't leave it to the last moment.
• If a visa is required, plan the ticket date together with the visa timeline.
• For connecting flights, make sure all legs are on the same reservation.

This range doesn't guarantee a price. The airline's campaign and fare policy may change; check current conditions before purchasing.

Eid al-Adha and the Schengen timeline

The area where ticket timing most often goes wrong is the visa. According to Pegasus, for Eid al-Adha trips to European routes, the Schengen visa application should begin at least 2-3 months in advance. This is advice given specifically for Eid al-Adha and European routes; don't treat the same period as a fixed rule for other holidays or other countries.

It's useful to read this recommendation together with the ticket range. You can start browsing options 3-6 months before the flight, and if you're traveling to Europe during Eid al-Adha, you can place your visa application at least 2-3 months before the flight.

Things to watch out for:

• Buying a final, non-refundable ticket before visa approval is risky. Read the refund and change conditions before purchasing.
• Visa requirements and application periods vary by country. Rely on the current information on the consulate or application center page of the country you're visiting.
• A travel plan may be requested during the application; clarify reservation conditions in advance.

There's no such pressure for visa-free countries; still, check passport validity and entry requirements before buying a ticket.

Differences: ticket type, route and package option

The best purchase timing for the same holiday may not be the same for everyone. Three factors change your timeline.

Ticket type

Discounted tickets generally may have more limited change and refund conditions. A flexible ticket can provide security for travelers facing visa or leave uncertainty. Whether baggage allowance is included in the ticket varies by airline and ticket class; check your airline's current rule.

Route

Your choice of route affects both purchase timing and visa needs. If the country you're visiting requires a visa, build your timeline backward from the visa. Comparing prices by shifting dates a few days on your chosen route lets you see more options.

Package tour

For those who prefer a ready-made program instead of booking flight, hotel and transfer separately, the options on the tours abroad page can be reviewed according to holiday dates. Package tours may also have limited dates and quotas; so, as with flights, deciding early preserves your options.

Common mistakes

Some mistakes with holiday tickets repeat often. Most arise from the assumption "there'll be availability anyway."

• Planning late. The recommended range is 3-6 months. Staying well outside this range may reduce options and price advantages.
• Leaving the visa for last. Having bought the ticket doesn't mean the visa will be approved. Write the recommended minimum 2-3 month application period for European routes during Eid al-Adha back into your timeline.
• Waiting for the holiday period to be confirmed. Avoiding buying a ticket before the official holiday period is confirmed may narrow your options. Base your purchase on the change conditions.
• Writing the first and last name differently from the passport. Correction conditions vary by airline. Have your passport with you before booking.
• Assuming baggage allowance. Depending on the ticket type, baggage may not be included. Verify the rule on your airline's page.
• Choosing a short connection time. In case of delay, a tight connection creates risk; plan your connection comfortably.

If you experience baggage damage after your trip, knowing the steps for baggage damage compensation will save time.

Step by step: ticket purchase plan

The following sequence can be used to plan a holiday trip backward.

1. Determine your date range. Clarify your leave status; choose a main date and a backup date for departure and return.
2. Check your visa status. Check from an official source whether a visa is required for the country you're visiting. If you're traveling to Europe during Eid al-Adha, plan to start the Schengen application at least 2-3 months in advance. For other countries, rely on the relevant consulate's current period.
3. Start monitoring prices 3-6 months before the flight. Compare multiple dates and alternative airports. Evaluate direct and connecting options separately.
4. Read the ticket conditions. Check refund, change, baggage and seat selection terms before purchasing.
5. Consider a flexible option if the visa is uncertain. Avoid buying a non-refundable ticket before the visa is confirmed; look for a flexible ticket or change rights.
6. Finalize accommodation together with the ticket. If you want a package solution, check out tours abroad.
7. Save the confirmation email. Double-check that the name matches the passport.

These steps aren't a guarantee, but a sequence that reduces risk. Check your airline's current rules before transacting.

Checklist before departure

The following list is useful for the period between buying the ticket and the trip. For detailed items on documents, insurance and baggage, also check the checklist for traveling abroad.

Documents

• Does the passport's validity period and blank page status comply with entry rules?
• If a visa is required, has it been approved, and do the dates match the ticket?
• Are the ticket, hotel reservation and insurance document ready as printouts and on your phone?

Ticket and flight

• Does the first and last name match the passport?
• Has baggage allowance and cabin rules been verified on the airline's current page?
• Has online check-in time and airport arrival time been determined?

Holiday period preparation

• Have you left extra margin for congestion on the way to the airport?
• Have you planned extra buffer time for the return day?
• Has transportation, transfer and hotel check-in time been confirmed?

Start the list on the day you buy the ticket, and review it one last time a few days before departure. For any missing item, consult the current rule of the airline or relevant institution; don't rely on guesswork.

Frequently asked questions

When should flight tickets be bought for a holiday trip?

According to Pegasus, for the best prices, holiday flight tickets should be bought 3-6 months before the flight. If your dates are fixed, you may consider buying early within this range. If your date is flexible, you can monitor prices within the range.

Is early booking necessary for Eid al-Adha?

Pegasus recommends early booking to secure your seat for Eid al-Adha but doesn't specify an exact period. In practice, it's reasonable to base this on the 3-6 month range before the flight. Check the conditions before purchasing.

How far in advance of Eid al-Adha should I apply for a Schengen visa?

According to Pegasus, for Eid al-Adha trips to European routes, the Schengen visa application should begin at least 2-3 months in advance. This period is advice given for this holiday and route. Since conditions and appointment availability vary by country, check the relevant consulate's current page.

Is it risky to buy a ticket before visa approval?

Yes, especially with non-refundable tickets. If the visa is delayed or rejected, it may not be possible to get the ticket fare back. Read the refund and change conditions before purchasing, and prefer a flexible ticket if possible.

Do holiday ticket prices drop at the last minute?

There's no verified data guaranteeing this. The recommended approach is to monitor prices within the 3-6 month range before the flight and buy when it's suitable. Relying on the last minute carries the risk of losing options.

What information should I check before buying a ticket?

Check the first and last name as written on the passport, passport validity, visa status, baggage allowance, and refund and change conditions. Baggage and ticket rules vary by airline and ticket type; check your airline's current rule.

Sources

• Places to Visit During Ramadan Feast (2026) — flypgs.com
• When Is Eid al-Adha 2026? Eid al-Adha Dates — flypgs.com