Holiday Flights Cost More This Year—Here's When to Book
New York – October 07, 2026 -- Domestic holiday airfares have jumped sharply this year, with Thanksgiving round-trip fares up 15% and Christmas fares up 16% compared to last year, according to new data from flight deals app Going. International fares, by contrast, have stayed essentially flat for both holidays.
Going flight expert Willis Orlando attributes the increase to rising fuel and labor costs, strong summer travel demand that outpaced available seats, and the exit of a major low-cost carrier from the market. His advice to travelers: book early and know the right days to fly.
Monday before Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve offer the cheapest departures
Going's data shows Monday, Nov. 23, and Christmas Eve are the cheapest days to depart for Thanksgiving and Christmas travel, respectively. The weekends immediately before and after each holiday remain the most expensive days to fly, whether departing or returning.