Thinking about flying home for the holidays? You might want to hold off on hitting that “book now” button. Currently, Thanksgiving and Christmas airfares are approximately 6 to 7 percent higher than last year, but the story isn’t all bad news.
Travel experts say the best time to book flights for the holidays is still ahead, with prices expected to dip as we enter the prime booking window.
Why Holiday Fares Seem Steeper This Year
Current data shows that the average domestic economy ticket for Thanksgiving week is sitting just above $600. Roughly a six percent increase from last year. International coach fares are trending even higher, nearly seven percent above 2024 levels. Interestingly, not all cabins are experiencing a climb; premium economy and business-class fares have actually dipped slightly in some markets.
It’s worth noting that these figures represent broad averages across thousands of routes. The Bureau of Transportation Statistics reports that the typical domestic fare in early 2025 was closer to $397; however, holiday travel typically pushes prices upward due to peak demand. What you’ll pay depends heavily on your departure city, destination, and even the day of the week you fly.
Holiday travel is its own market. Prices tend to look inflated this far out, and history suggests they’ll drop as we approach the prime booking windows.
When to Book: The Sweet Spot
Timing is everything when it comes to snagging affordable holiday flights. Airlines tend to set prices higher when schedules first open, then gradually lower the rates as travel windows approach and demand patterns become clearer.
The key takeaway here is not to panic if current prices appear steep. Wait for that sweet spot, set price alerts to track the dips, and be ready to pounce when the numbers finally slide.
Domestic Flights:
For domestic travelers, the general rule of thumb is to book about one to two months in advance. That means locking in Thanksgiving tickets by early to mid-October, and Christmas flights no later than Halloween.
Researchers and Airfare trackers that study millions of routes suggest that the “magic number” for domestic flights is about 70 days before departure. That window has historically delivered savings of 15 to 30 percent compared to booking too early or too late.
International flights:
If you’re heading overseas, you’ll want to give yourself more lead time. International flights tend to reach their best prices around three to five months in advance. That might sound like a long horizon, but these trips are more expensive to begin with, and seats fill up quickly in peak seasons.
The Best Days to Fly
Flying on the holiday itself is often the best bargain. Thanksgiving Day flights typically run cheaper, with average costs around $466. If that feels too rushed, leaving the Monday before can also save you a decent amount.
Christmas tends to follow a similar pattern. Christmas Eve and even New Year’s Eve tend to be priced lower because fewer people want to spend part of their holiday in an airport.
The trade-off is obvious. You give up a bit of holiday convenience for a lighter hit to your wallet.
The Most Expensive Days to Fly
Not surprisingly, the busiest travel days also come with the highest fares. The Saturday and Sunday after Thanksgiving are among the priciest, with average tickets soaring well over $700 as everyone tries to return home at once. Christmas has its own set of peak days, particularly December 20, when schools break for the holidays, and December 26, when holiday visits typically conclude. Both dates see heavy demand and steep prices.
Smart Tips to Maximize Savings
How you shop for tickets matters just as much as when you buy one.
Stay Ahead with Price Alerts
Set up price alerts through tools like Google Flights, Hopper, Skyscanner, or Points Path. These trackers do the heavy lifting for you, letting you know the moment fares dip so you can grab a deal before it disappears.
Flexibility Can Save You Big
Midweek departures (Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays) are almost always cheaper than weekend flights. Or even shifting your trip by a single day can make a surprising difference in price. If your schedule allows it, a little wiggle room could mean hundreds of dollars back in your pocket.
Use Your Miles Wisely
Remember that award prices fluctuate just like cash fares. When you see a redemption that feels worthwhile, go ahead and book it, provided it’s not a basic economy option. Many airlines now allow you to cancel or rebook if you find a better deal later, which makes locking in a “good enough” rate less risky.
Leverage Airline Protections
Finally, look into your airline’s refund or credit policies. Some carriers will issue a flight credit if the fare drops after you’ve already booked. That kind of protection gives you the confidence to book earlier, knowing you won’t miss out if the price comes down later.
Patience Pays Off
Holiday fares can feel discouraging when you first start looking, but that doesn’t mean you’re destined to pay top dollar. Airfare usually follows a familiar rhythm: prices start out high, drop as the best booking window opens, then rise again once last-minute travelers jump in.
The trick isn’t rushing to be the first person to buy. The travelers who save the most are those who keep an eye on fares, wait for the dip, and stay flexible enough to grab it when it comes. A little patience and smart timing can be the difference between overspending on your ticket and having extra cash left for the gifts under the tree.
For more smart travel tips and tricks, check out our full collection of guides to make your next trip smoother, no matter where you fly from.