Holiday Travel 2025: Best Times to Book Flights Home

As we look ahead to the 2025 holiday season, travelers planning their Thanksgiving and Christmas trips may find themselves facing a mixed bag of airfare trends. While current prices for holiday flights are higher than last year, there is optimism on the horizon as we approach the traditional booking windows. Let’s break down what you need to know to secure the best deals for your holiday travel.

Current Airfare Trends

Recent data from Points Path reveals that airfare for both Thanksgiving and Christmas travel is, on average, more expensive than in 2024. Specifically, domestic economy fares have risen over 6% year-over-year, averaging just above $600 for Thanksgiving. Meanwhile, international coach fares are up nearly 7%, averaging $1,266. However, there is a silver lining: historical trends suggest that prices typically drop as we enter the prime booking windows in the coming weeks.

For those eager to book their flights now, it’s wise to keep an eye on price fluctuations. Setting up price alerts on platforms like Google Flights can help you monitor fare changes effectively. If you spot a deal that fits your budget, don’t hesitate to book it—waiting could lead to higher prices.

Booking Windows and Strategies

According to travel experts, the optimal time to book domestic flights for Thanksgiving is typically one to two months in advance. For 2025, the best window for securing lower fares is likely to be in early to mid-October, where prices may drop by an average of $40.

Current data suggests that the most affordable day to fly during Thanksgiving week is Thanksgiving Day itself, with average fares around $466. If you can travel earlier in the week, Monday offers the next best price at approximately $555. Conversely, the priciest days to fly are the weekend following Thanksgiving, with fares reaching $709 on Saturday and $825 on Sunday.

For Christmas travel, average domestic economy fares are currently around $677, a noticeable increase from last year’s $633. Similar to Thanksgiving, we anticipate a decrease in prices as we approach the October booking window, with potential drops of about $80. The cheapest days to fly during the Christmas holidays appear to be Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, both averaging around $535 to $536, respectively. The most expensive days, however, are December 20 and December 26, with averages of $861 and $834.

Timing Your International Bookings

When it comes to international travel, the general recommendation is to book three to five months in advance. This timeline allows you to take advantage of the best prices and availability. Given the current trend of increasing international fares, it’s advisable to start monitoring prices early and consider booking by the end of September for optimal savings.

Utilizing Points and Miles

If you’re planning to use airline miles for your holiday travel, it’s never too early to start checking availability. Historically, the best opportunities for redeeming miles, especially for business class, arise when flight schedules are first released or just a few days before departure. For domestic redemptions, it’s essential to find a “good enough” redemption and keep an eye on prices. If you haven’t booked a basic economy fare, you can often cancel and retrieve your miles if a better deal arises.

Final Recommendations

As we gear up for the holiday season, here are some key takeaways to ensure you get the best travel deals:

1. Set Price Alerts: Use tools like Google Flights and Points Path to monitor fare changes.
2. Book Early: Aim to book Thanksgiving flights by early October and Christmas flights by Halloween at the latest.
3. Be Flexible: If possible, consider traveling on less popular days, such as Thanksgiving Day or Christmas Eve, for more affordable fares.
4. Watch for Deals: If you see a fare that fits your budget, act quickly—prices can rise unexpectedly.
5. Utilize Miles Wisely: Start checking for award availability now and be prepared to book when you find a good deal.

Conclusion

While holiday airfare prices are currently higher than last year, there’s still hope for budget-conscious travelers. With the right strategies and timely bookings, you can navigate the holiday travel landscape effectively. Keep an eye on fare trends, set alerts, and don’t hesitate to book when you find a deal that works for you. Happy travels!