Finding cheap flights during the holiday rush can be tough, but new research has revealed the best days to fly this holiday season in 2025. After looking at over 40,000 flights on the busiest U.S. routes, we now know when to snag the best deals.
Thanksgiving: Fly Early or Wait
The days right before Thanksgiving are expected to have some of the highest airfares of the year. If you can fly five to seven days before the holiday, you could save a lot. For those who don’t mind spending Thanksgiving away, flying on the day itself usually offers the lowest fares. The most expensive days to travel are likely to be the Tuesday and Wednesday before Thanksgiving, as families are traveling everywhere.
Christmas: Midweek is Best
The Christmas travel period follows a similar pattern. The best savings can be found by flying on December 16 or 17, well before the holiday rush. Flights on December 23 and 24 are also fairly affordable this year. However, if you’re returning home, be careful—December 28 and 29 are expected to be the priciest days to fly back.
New Year’s Travel: Last-Minute Savings
If you’re celebrating New Year’s away from home, flying on December 31 is a great way to save money. Airfares drop as most travelers have already arrived at their destinations. But watch out for price spikes on return flights on January 2 or 3 as the holiday season wraps up.
By planning ahead and being flexible with your travel dates, you can find the best deals this holiday season. Happy travels!
