We’re currently in the crucial booking period for holiday flights.
As we’ve noted before, booking flights one to two months in advance often yields the best airfare. With Thanksgiving just about a month away and Christmas two months out, now is an excellent time to find the lowest prices.
Waiting too long can lead to significant price increases as the holidays approach, so consider this a reminder to make your reservations soon. For the best deals on domestic flights, aim to book Thanksgiving trips by mid-October and Christmas flights by Halloween. Generally, October is when the best holiday deals emerge.
Unfortunately, our latest analysis of 2025 holiday airfare reveals an overall increase in prices compared to last year, although the rise is less sharp than what we saw last month. Nonetheless, it’s time to secure your bookings.
To find the most affordable fares ahead of your travel dates, start monitoring prices about three months prior. Of course, it’s wise to seize any good deals you find before that time frame.
Aiming to have your flights booked by Halloween is a smart strategy, though you may still have a bit of leeway for Christmas bookings.
This advice aligns with what Google reports as well:
- Thanksgiving airfare tends to be lowest around 35 days before departure.
- Christmas and New Year flights often see the best prices 51 days in advance.
I highly recommend using Google Flights for its alert feature, which helps track specific destinations.
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There’s no secret “best day or time” for making a booking, so logging in at midnight on a Tuesday won’t guarantee savings. However, midweek flights, especially on Wednesdays, are typically more cost-effective for both domestic and international travel. Flying on the holiday itself, like Thanksgiving Day or Christmas Eve, can also lead to significant savings.
If you book now, remember that you can get a trip credit if airfare drops after your purchase, provided you don’t book basic economy fares. This is why Flying Frugal recommends standard economy fares.
Related: Airlines offering credits for price drops
Pricing Trends for 2025 Holidays
Our latest report on holiday airfare trends is disappointing. Airfares are up year over year for most holiday travel.
According to our analysis, fares for both Thanksgiving and Christmas flights have increased, though some specific cabins and dates show lower prices.
Points Path, a free browser extension, helps users compare points and miles award prices alongside cash fares. It utilizes extensive search data to understand airline pricing.
Related: Using Points Path to compare rates in Google Flights
Thanksgiving Prices
We analyzed over 100,000 flights for Thanksgiving week, focusing on economy fares and international cabins. The data collected shows an approximate 3.4% increase year over year, with average U.S. coach prices at nearly $586.
For domestic fares, business-class and premium economy have decreased by 1-5%, but first-class prices have surged by around 12%.
International coach fares are up about 3%, while premium economy, business, and first-class fares have dropped significantly by 6-35%.
So, if you’re eyeing international premium cabins for Thanksgiving, there’s some good news.
Christmas Prices
Christmas flight prices show similar trends, with domestic economy fares averaging approximately $639, up from $633 in 2024—a 1% increase.
Premium cabins for domestic flights are experiencing even steeper increases, ranging from 8% to 14% year over year.
International fares have generally decreased, averaging $1,258 for coach tickets.
The earlier decline in airfare we noted earlier this year hasn’t persisted into the holiday season, with prices trending higher, especially domestically.
However, fares are unlikely to drop significantly in the coming weeks, so now is the time to book.
Related: New data shows significant airfare drops for Labor Day
Tips for Affordable Holiday Flights
Here are some additional strategies for finding cheaper holiday flights:
When airfare is high, consider using your stash of points and miles, as this can maximize their value during peak travel times.
Traveling on non-peak days or extending your stay can also save money; for instance, going home for a couple of weeks instead of just a few days might yield better rates.
Be flexible with your travel dates and times. Often, the best deals are available on early morning or red-eye flights. A small inconvenience could lead to significant savings.
Finally, set up Google flight alerts and keep an eye on prices in the coming weeks. And remember, it’s advisable to book before Halloween!
Conclusion
According to Points Path and Flying Frugal, fares for the 2025 holidays are generally higher than last year. Nevertheless, prices are expected to be at their lowest in the coming weeks, making it the right time to start booking.
We always recommend booking domestic flights one to two months in advance. And remember, if you’re using airline miles, the earlier you start checking, the better.
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