Best days to fly for the holidays

Holiday Cheap Flights Report 2023

This year's Thanksgiving airfares are trending 12% more than 2022 prices, and flights for Christmas and New Year's are up about the same. We're expecting a busy holiday flight season and to get best airfare we recommend buying flights on the early side.

Track Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Flight Prices

Thanksgiving Airfare Trend by Day
Expected Airfare Fluctuations by Purchase Month

We track 11,000 airfares for flights during the holiday season. Our data identifies the average fare for the most popular markets to bring you the Holiday Flights Report.

Christmas Airfare Trend by Day
Expected Airfare Fluctuations by Purchase Month

We track 11,000 airfares for flights during the holiday season. Our data identifies the average fare for the most popular markets to bring you the Holiday Flights Report.

2023 Winter Flights Calendar

2023 Winter Holidays

NOV
23
Thanksgiving
DEC
25
Christmas
JAN
1
New Year Day
DEEP DISCOUNTS
GOOD VALUE
A LITTLE PRICEY
HIGHEST FARES

Thanksgiving Calendar

Thanksgiving Calendar

Nov 2023
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  • Nov 20 There aren't a lot of bargains during Thanksgiving week this year. The best-priced day prior to the holiday is Monday.
  • Nov 22 The day before Thanksgiving has historically been one of the most expensive days to fly. This year, it's cheaper relative to other travel days the same week.
  • Nov 23 Flying on Thanksgiving is usually a good deal, and this year is no different. You can expect to pay about $63 less on average if you can fly on the holiday.
  • Nov 24 The Friday after Thanksgiving looks to be the bargain travel day of the week. In fact, the next least expensive travel day of the week is almost $100 more on average. Consider departing on Monday, November 20 and returning on the 24th for the best-priced itinerary overall.

Christmas Calendar

Christmas Calendar

Dec 2023 - Jan 2024
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  • Dec 22 Because Christmas lands on a Monday this year, the most expensive days to fly for the holidays are definitely the Friday and Saturday prior to the holiday.
  • Dec 24 This year, Christmas Eve is the best priced departure date option. Flying on this date will save you close to $120 over traveling on December 22.
  • Dec 25 Christmas Day is another relatively inexpensive travel day this year. You'll save about the same as traveling on Christmas Eve.
  • Jan 1 New Year's Day falls on a Monday this year, which makes for a relatively inexpensive travel day. You'll spend about the same whether you fly on Monday or Tuesday this holiday - just about $10 separates their average price.
Search Holiday Flights

How to get cheap flights for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and the New Year holidays

  1. Book early. We recommend booking 2-3 months prior to departure for domestic flights in the U.S. Fares will rise and flights will fill up.
  2. Use our Best Time to Buy Flights tool. Check how early you should book your flights.
  3. Be flexible with your travel dates. Check fares for the days before and after your desired travel dates. You could really save a lot if this works for your schedule.
  4. Avoid peak travel days. Beat the crowds and avoid potential flight delays.
  5. Mix & Match airlines. Sometimes, booking separate one-ways can be cheaper than booking a roundtrip. Plus you might find better flight schedules that work for you.
  6. Look for morning flights. Flight delays and cancelations increase as the day progresses.
  7. Check for baggage fees and other extra charges. What may seem like a good deal, could easily turn costly if you don't pay attention to these fees.
  8. Don't book last-minute. Airfares always rise 21, 14, 7, and 3 days before departure.

Holiday Flights and Updates from Experts at CheapAir.com

Search Holiday Flights

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