Best Days to Fly During Holidays for Cheaper Flights in 2024

The holiday season brings joy, family reunions, and unfortunately, some of the highest airfares of the year. However, with strategic planning, travelers can find cheaper flights even during the busiest travel periods. Knowing the best days to fly during the holidays can save you significant amounts of money. In this guide, we’ll explore the best travel days for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s, along with other tips to score affordable flights.

Why Airfare Spikes During the Holidays

Before diving into the best travel days, it’s important to understand why airfare increases during the holiday season. Airlines know that many people have set schedules due to work, school, or family obligations, and they capitalize on the demand. According to Skyscanner, flights during peak holiday periods can cost up to 30% more than at other times of the year.

Demand skyrockets, and seats fill up quickly, leaving travelers with fewer options. This surge in bookings typically happens for flights departing just before the holiday and returning immediately afterward. Therefore, the key to finding affordable flights is traveling on days when demand is lower.

Best Days to Fly for Thanksgiving 2024

Thanksgiving is one of the busiest travel periods in the U.S. Millions of people travel to be with their families, which makes finding cheap flights difficult. However, there are still ways to save.

• Cheapest Departure Days: The Tuesday before Thanksgiving (November 26, 2024) and Thanksgiving Day itself (November 28) are typically the best days to fly if you’re looking for cheaper fares. Flying on Thanksgiving morning may not sound ideal, but it can save you hundreds of dollars.
• Best Return Days: Avoid flying back on Sunday, December 1, which is the most expensive day to return. Instead, opt for flying back on Tuesday, December 3 for better prices.

According to Google Flights, flights departing and returning on these lower-demand days can be up to 40% cheaper than peak travel days. Flexible travelers who can adjust their schedules stand to save the most.

Best Days to Fly for Christmas 2024

The Christmas holiday season brings even more complicated travel patterns. Flights tend to be more expensive the closer you get to Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. However, with a little flexibility, you can avoid the highest prices.

• Cheapest Departure Days: Flying out as early as Friday, December 20, or on Christmas Eve (December 24) can help you snag lower fares. Flights on Christmas Eve are generally cheaper because fewer people want to travel on this day.
• Best Return Days: For the return flight, avoid December 26 and December 27, as these are the most expensive days to fly back. Try flying on December 29 or even January 2, 2025, for more affordable options.

Kayak’s 2024 Holiday Travel Guide suggests booking Christmas flights well in advance to maximize savings, especially if you’re flying on popular routes.

Best Days to Fly for New Year’s 2024

New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day can also lead to inflated airfares, but knowing the right days to fly can help you dodge the crowds and high prices.

• Cheapest Departure Days: Flying on December 31 (New Year’s Eve) can save you a lot of money, as fewer people travel on this day. The day after New Year’s Day, January 2, also tends to have lower fares.
• Best Return Days: If you’re flying back after celebrating New Year’s, opt for January 3 or January 4. These dates typically have more availability and lower prices compared to the days immediately following New Year’s Day.

Many travelers tend to book return flights on January 1, driving prices up. So, flying out one or two days later can result in substantial savings.

How to Score Cheap Holiday Flights in 2024

Finding affordable flights during the holidays involves more than just booking on the right days. Here are a few additional strategies to save money:

1. Book Early: The earlier you book, the more likely you are to find deals. Waiting until the last minute almost always results in higher prices, especially during the holidays. According to Expedia, the sweet spot for booking holiday flights is between 30 and 60 days in advance.
2. Use Price Alerts: Set up price alerts on sites like Google Flights or Hopper. These tools will notify you when fares drop or rise, giving you the chance to book at the best price.
3. Be Flexible with Airports: If you live near multiple airports, check fares from each one. You may find that flying from a smaller or less popular airport can significantly reduce costs.
4. Travel Light: Many airlines charge high fees for checked luggage during the holidays. Try to stick to carry-on luggage to avoid extra fees and streamline your travel experience.
5. Look for Deals on Budget Airlines: Budget carriers like Southwest or Spirit may offer great deals on holiday flights. However, watch out for hidden fees for things like seat selection, baggage, and even printing boarding passes at the airport.

Avoiding Common Holiday Travel Mistakes

Flying during the holidays can be stressful, and while you can’t control everything, avoiding common mistakes can help make the experience smoother.

• Last-Minute Booking: As tempting as it might be to wait for a last-minute deal, this rarely pays off during the holidays. Prices tend to rise as the departure date gets closer, especially on peak travel days.
• Not Allowing Enough Time: The holidays mean busier airports and longer lines. Arrive at the airport at least two hours early for domestic flights and three hours early for international flights. This will give you enough time to check-in, go through security, and handle any potential delays.
• Ignoring Cancellation Policies: Always check the cancellation and change policies before booking your flight. Holiday travel plans can change, and flexible tickets allow you to adjust your itinerary without hefty fees.

Why Flying on the Holiday Itself Can Be Cheaper

It might seem inconvenient, but flying on the holiday itself (e.g., Thanksgiving Day or Christmas Day) is often much cheaper. Fewer travelers want to fly on these days because they want to spend the entire day with family or avoid the hassle of traveling. As a result, airlines offer cheaper tickets to fill planes.

For instance, flying out on Thanksgiving morning allows you to still enjoy dinner with your family while avoiding the worst of the crowds and high prices. Similarly, flights on Christmas Day tend to be much less expensive and less crowded, giving you a more relaxed travel experience.

Best Time to Book Holiday Flights

According to CheapAir’s 2024 Holiday Travel Report, the best time to book holiday flights is during the week of September to mid-October. Prices begin to rise significantly after this period. Booking early helps you lock in lower fares before the last-minute holiday rush begins.

Additionally, booking flights on Tuesdays and Wednesdays tends to yield the best prices. Most airlines release new fares early in the week, making these days ideal for booking.

The Benefits of Red-Eye Flights During the Holidays

Another way to save money during the holidays is to book red-eye flights (flights that depart late at night and arrive early in the morning). These flights are often cheaper because fewer people want to fly at night. While it may not be the most convenient option, red-eye flights are often less crowded, meaning shorter security lines and a more relaxed experience overall.

For example, booking a red-eye on December 24 can not only save you money but also allow you to arrive just in time for Christmas morning festivities.

Conclusion

Flying during the holidays doesn’t have to be expensive or stressful. By knowing the best days to fly and using smart booking strategies, you can save money and avoid the worst travel headaches. Whether you’re flying for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year’s, a little planning can go a long way toward making your holiday travel both affordable and enjoyable.