Best Days To Fly for Thanksgiving and Christmas 2026 To Save up to 49%
Holiday travel is expected to be expensive in 2026, but picking the right travel dates could dramatically reduce costs.
New Kayak data shows travelers can save up to 49% on Thanksgiving flights and up to 45% on Christmas flights simply by avoiding the busiest days. These are the best dates to fly for the holidays, according to the data.
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Cheapest Days To Fly for Thanksgiving 2026
If your family doesn't celebrate Thanksgiving until later in the day, consider booking your flights on Thanksgiving Day itself, which is Nov. 26 in 2026. According to Kayak, fares could be up to 19% lower domestically and 49% lower internationally than on Nov. 20, the priciest day to fly.
"Flying on a holiday can mean fewer crowds and lower fares because most people want to arrive before the celebrations begin," said Kayla DeLoache, travel trends expert at Kayak.
If you don't want to spend Turkey Day in transit, book domestic flights on Nov. 23 for 18% savings versus Nov. 20 fares. For international trips, fly on Nov. 25 for 37% savings.
Cheapest Days To Fly for Christmas 2026
Depart on Dec. 21 or 22 to capture the best fares on domestic flights — you could save 18% compared to flying on Dec. 19, the most expensive pre-Christmas travel date. Book your return for Jan. 2, 2027, to save up to 45% compared with Dec. 27, the priciest post-Christmas departure date.
For international flights, Dec. 23 and 24 are the cheapest days to depart, with 31%-34% savings compared to flights on Dec. Eighteen. Consider flying back on New Year's Eve to save up to 40% compared with peak fares on Dec. 26.
How To Save More on Holiday Flights and Hotels
Choosing the right travel dates can lead to large savings, but airfare booking windows aren't the only place travelers can cut costs.
"Timing can make a real difference, even with holiday prices higher than last year," DeLoache said.
She recommends being savvy about how far out you book flights and what dates you book your hotel stays.
When To Book
"We don’t have a crystal ball, but fares have followed a similar seasonal pattern to last year," DeLoache said. "They tend to peak in late September, then ease in October. About five weeks before Thanksgiving has historically been a sweet spot, though past patterns are a guide, not a guarantee."
When To Check In
"Hotels can reward a different approach," DeLoache said. "Last year, travelers who booked during Thanksgiving week paid 38% less than those who booked in mid-October; during Christmas week, they paid 35% less. Waiting may save money if you’re flexible about the property or room, but if you have your heart set on a particular hotel, book before options narrow."
This article was provided by MoneyLion.com for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal or tax advice.
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