The Holiday Flight Booking Guide You Need Right Now

Holiday travel is expensive this year, and waiting too long to book may cost you.

According to Hopper’s 2026 Holiday Travel Index, average domestic Thanksgiving airfare is running about 31% higher than last year, while Christmas airfare is about 23% higher. Travelers are also booking earlier than they have in previous years. Hopper

The good news: a few smart decisions can still make a meaningful difference.

Book sooner rather than later

If you already know where you’re going for Thanksgiving or Christmas, this probably isn’t the year to wait for a dramatic last-minute fare drop.

Holiday demand is already strong, and Hopper recommends booking holiday flights before Halloween when possible. Hopper

That doesn’t mean you need to panic-buy the first fare you see. Compare a few options, set a price alert if you’re still deciding and pay attention to how much flexibility is built into the ticket.

Your travel dates matter — a lot

Sometimes moving your flight by just one day can save more than hunting through dozens of airlines.

For Thanksgiving, Hopper currently identifies Monday, November 23 as one of the least expensive departure days, with fares averaging about $50 less than Wednesday departures. Thanksgiving Day itself may also offer lower fares for travelers who can be flexible. Hopper

For Christmas, the weekend immediately before the holiday — December 18–20 — is shaping up to be among the most expensive times to depart. Monday or Tuesday before Christmas is currently looking more affordable. Hopper

Before booking, compare at least:

• Your ideal dates
• One day earlier
• One day later

A small schedule adjustment can sometimes produce a much better fare.

Check nearby airports

If you live somewhere with more than one airport within driving distance, compare them.

The cheapest ticket from your usual airport isn’t necessarily the cheapest trip overall.

Just remember to factor in:

• Parking
• Transportation
• Toll costs
• Extra drive time
• Flight schedule

Saving $70 on airfare may not be worth an extra two hours in the car. Saving $300 might be.

Set price alerts instead of constantly searching

You do not need to refresh airfare every morning.

Google Flights, Hopper and other travel tools can monitor routes and alert you when prices change. That lets you keep an eye on a trip without turning flight shopping into a part-time job.

Look beyond the cheapest fare

Basic Economy can look appealing when holiday flights are expensive, but check the restrictions before booking.

Depending on the airline and fare, you may have:

• Less flexibility to change plans
• Limited seat selection
• Different boarding privileges
• Additional baggage restrictions

During a busy travel period, flexibility can be worth paying a little more for.

Don't forget your points

High cash fares are also a good reason to check your airline miles or credit-card points.

Compare the cash price with the number of points required rather than automatically assuming one option is better.

If a normally inexpensive flight suddenly costs significantly more, your points may stretch further than usual.

The bottom line

Holiday travel may cost more in 2026, but you still have some control over what you spend.

Book early, compare nearby dates and airports, watch fares and understand exactly what comes with your ticket.

A little planning now can make the holiday travel season much easier later.

Travel smarter. Stress less. Enjoy the journey.