Holiday celebrations are all about reconnecting with family and friends. If your loved ones live far away, you may need to fly to be together. Or perhaps you prefer to skip tradition entirely and celebrate in an exciting new locale.
Regardless of your plans, the holiday season is not just the most wonderful time of the year; it’s also the busiest travel period.
In the U.S., the Sunday following Thanksgiving is often the peak travel day. For instance, on December 1, 2024, the Transportation Security Administration recorded an astonishing 3.08 million travelers. With this year’s summer travel season already seeing over 3 million passengers per day multiple times, the upcoming 2025 holidays are likely to be even busier.
Related: 10 tips for faster airport security
“Traveling during peak holidays like Thanksgiving and New Year’s comes with higher fares and crowded airports,” said Katy Nastro, a spokesperson for Going. “For Thanksgiving, we might not only see the busiest day on record but several days with over 3 million travelers passing through TSA.”
Given the surge in traffic and rising prices, it’s essential to know when to book your holiday flights to secure the best rates.
Here’s how to save on holiday travel in 2025.
Finding Affordable Holiday Flights
Book Early
To find the best holiday airfare, booking early is your best strategy.
Related: The optimal time to book flights for the lowest fares
For domestic flights, aim to book 1-2 months in advance, while international flights should be booked 3-5 months ahead. Expect to see the best prices for Thanksgiving travel in late September or early October.
Set Price Alerts
You can also book now and use Google Flights to monitor the fares; if the price drops, you can rebook. Many airlines will allow you to adjust your ticket and provide a credit for the difference if fares fall.
“By purchasing a regular economy ticket instead of a basic one, you can rebook at a lower fare and receive a credit for future use,” Nastro explained. “Airlines may not appreciate it, but it is an option if you avoid booking non-changeable basic fares.”
For hassle-free tracking, several tools can help you get refunds if flight prices decrease.
Days to Avoid
If you have the flexibility, steer clear of specific days to keep costs low and avoid crowds.
“Avoid not just the Sunday after Thanksgiving, but also the busy days leading up to the holiday,” advised Nastro. “Traveling on the holiday itself can save you money and spare you the typical travel stress.” According to Expedia, the busiest and most expensive days around Thanksgiving are Wednesday, November 26, and Friday, November 28. For Christmas travel, try to avoid Saturday, December 20, and Friday, December 26.
Cheapest Destinations for Thanksgiving Travel
Thanksgiving Flights
If you’re considering international travel for Thanksgiving, you’re in luck! This week is often the best for international trips, as many travelers are flying domestic to visit family, leading to great deals.
Here are some notable round-trip flight deals for the Thanksgiving week:
- Miami to Minneapolis: $199 on Delta
- Chicago to San Diego: $165 on United
- Boston to Dublin: $384 on Delta
- Charlotte to Helsinki: $524 on American Airlines
Use Google Flights to compare prices and figure out the best travel dates.
Cheapest Destinations for Christmas Travel
Christmas travels tend to be more expensive than Thanksgiving flights, but services like Going can help you find discounts exceeding 40% off regular prices.
If possible, flying on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day and returning on New Year’s Eve can lead to great deals. Here are some examples of round-trip fares:
- NYC to the Bahamas: $388 on JetBlue
- Washington, D.C. to Los Angeles: $264 on Southwest
- Seattle to Austin: $247 on Southwest
Conclusion
When planning holiday travel, prioritize flexibility.
“Flexibility is key for more affordable travel during peak seasons like winter holidays. Being open to different destinations can lead to better deals rather than sticking to a specific location,” Nastro noted.
This applies to travel dates too. For instance, since New Year’s Eve falls midweek, consider extending your trip into the new year to take advantage of lower prices. Return fares around January 5 or 6 are typically cheaper than those from the preceding weekend.
Even without destination flexibility, adjusting your departure and return dates can help you avoid the busiest travel days and save on airfare.
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