Want to save money and avoid airport chaos during the holidays? Here’s how:
- Fly on the holiday itself: Christmas Day, Thanksgiving Day, and New Year’s Day often have cheaper fares and fewer crowds.
- Avoid peak travel days: The day before a holiday and the Sunday after are the busiest and most expensive.
- Book midweek flights: Tuesdays and Wednesdays tend to have lower fares and less congestion.
- Plan ahead: For domestic flights, book 1–3 months in advance; for international, book 2–8 months ahead.
- Use price alerts: Tools like Google Flights can help you track fare drops and secure deals.
Quick Tip: Flying early in the morning or late at night can save you money and reduce stress.
Timing your travel wisely can help you avoid inflated prices and crowded airports. Keep reading for holiday-specific strategies and detailed tips!
1. Christmas Travel: When to Fly
Avoiding Peak Travel Days to Reduce Crowds
The week of Christmas is one of the busiest times to travel, and certain days see especially high passenger numbers. The weekend before Christmas – Friday, December 20 through Sunday, December 22 – is typically packed with travelers. The period between Christmas and New Year’s is also a high-traffic time. For the 2025 holiday season, U.S. airports are expected to handle 32.5 million departing seats between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day – a 2.4% increase from the previous year – averaging over three million departures daily[4]. If you’re planning to return after the holidays, avoid flying on January 2, which sees the highest volume of airport screenings[4]. Next, let’s look at how these busy travel days impact ticket prices.
Finding Lower Airfare Prices
The cost difference between peak and off-peak travel days during Christmas is striking. With a 20% year-over-year increase in flight searches for Christmas travel in 2024[3], finding affordable tickets has become more challenging.
Flying on Christmas Day can be a budget-friendly option, with fares averaging 26% lower than peak travel days[9]. Overall, Christmas airfares hover around $400[9]. However, flights on December 26 are much more popular, with 31% more passengers opting to travel that day compared to Christmas Day in 2023[3]. This increased demand tends to push up prices for post-holiday flights. Choosing off-peak days not only saves money but can also make for a less hectic airport experience.
Maximizing Travel Convenience
Traveling on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day often means less congestion at airports[3]. Departing earlier in December – such as around December 18 or 19 – can also provide a quieter experience compared to last-minute travel rushes[4]. If your schedule allows, midweek flights are usually less crowded than weekend options. For example, consider flying out midweek and returning on dates like December 31 or January 1 to avoid peak travel congestion[5][3].
Considering Flexibility for Flying on the Holiday Itself
Flying on Christmas Day comes with both pros and cons. Airlines operate reduced schedules on December 25, so there are fewer flight options. However, this also means fewer passengers, which can lead to shorter security lines and less crowded gates[8]. Keep in mind that many airport shops and restaurants may have limited hours or be closed, so bringing your own snacks and entertainment is a smart move[8].
The same strategy applies to New Year’s travel. As Hopper suggests:
“To avoid the crowds this year, plan to travel on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day and again over New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.”[4]
If you’re considering a Christmas Day flight, book early to secure better departure times and connections[8]. While the experience may differ from a typical travel day, the reduced stress and potential savings make it an appealing option for many travelers. Spending a few hours in the air on Christmas Day can be a worthwhile trade-off for avoiding the chaos and costs of peak travel periods.
Best days to travel to avoid busy airports during the holiday season
2. Thanksgiving Travel: Best Flight Days
Timing your travel plans wisely during Thanksgiving can save you both money and a lot of stress.
Avoiding Peak Travel Days to Reduce Crowds
Thanksgiving week is notorious for crowded airports, with traveler numbers spiking on certain days. The Sunday after Thanksgiving is the busiest, with over 2.9 million passengers passing through U.S. airport security in 2023 alone[10][11]. That’s nearly double the number seen on less hectic travel days.
To avoid the chaos, steer clear of the Wednesday before Thanksgiving and the post-Thanksgiving weekend when security lines are at their worst. Instead, aim for less congested days like the Saturday before Thanksgiving, the Monday before Thanksgiving, or even the Thursday before Thanksgiving. On your return trip, the Wednesday after Thanksgiving and Tuesday after Thanksgiving are typically the calmest days to fly. Surprisingly, even Black Friday can be a better option than braving the weekend rush[10][11][12]. These peak travel days not only bring crowds but also drive up ticket prices.
Finding Lower Airfare Prices
If you’re looking to save on airfare, timing your booking is everything. According to Lindsay Schwimer, a Consumer Travel Expert at Hopper:
“We tell people to start monitoring in August, but the optimal booking window is mid-October, around the 14th of October.” [7]
Google Flights data backs this up, showing that Thanksgiving airfare is typically at its lowest about 45 days before departure, making mid-October the sweet spot for booking[7][14]. Flying midweek – on a Tuesday or Wednesday – can also help you snag cheaper tickets compared to weekend flights. To stay ahead of price changes, set up fare alerts[7][13]. For extra help, services like Flight Booking 247 offer around-the-clock support to assist with finding the best deals (https://flightbooking247.com).
Maximizing Travel Convenience
If you’re looking for the least crowded time to fly, Thanksgiving Day itself is a hidden gem. NerdWallet’s analysis of TSA checkpoint data from 2021–2023 highlights this trend:
“Across travel days for the week before and after Thanksgiving, Thanksgiving Day was the lowest-traffic day every year in our analysis.” [10]
Considering Flexibility for Flying on the Holiday Itself
Flying on Thanksgiving morning can be a smart move. Catch an early flight, and you’ll still make it in time for dinner[10][12]. This flexible approach not only saves money but also makes navigating airports during the holiday season a lot less stressful.
3. New Year’s Travel: Smart Flight Timing
If you’re hoping to sidestep high fares and packed airports this New Year, planning your travel timing is key. U.S. airports are expected to handle record-breaking numbers between Christmas and New Year’s, with projections of 32.5 million departures and 119.3 million travelers during this period [6]. Here’s how to navigate peak and off-peak days for a smoother journey.
Avoiding Peak Travel Days to Reduce Crowds
The busiest travel days are clustered right before and after Christmas. Departures hit their peak from Friday, December 20, through Monday, December 23, while returns are heaviest from Thursday, December 26, to Sunday, December 29.
| Worst Departure Dates | Worst Return Dates |
|---|---|
| Friday, December 20 | Thursday, December 26 |
| Saturday, December 21 | Friday, December 27 |
| Sunday, December 22 | Sunday, December 29 |
| Monday, December 23 |
Stacey Barber, Vice President of AAA Travel, highlights the challenges:
“This year, with Christmas Day falling on a Wednesday, we’re anticipating record-breaking travel numbers the weekend before and the weekend after the holiday.” [6]
Strategic scheduling can make all the difference. Here’s how to make your journey more convenient.
Maximizing Travel Convenience
If you’re looking for less chaos, consider flying on New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day. New Year’s Eve typically has about 260,000 fewer passengers on average [4]. For departures, aim for Saturday, December 28, Monday, December 30, or evening flights on Tuesday, December 31. If you’re heading back after the holidays, Saturday, January 4, offers a much calmer airport experience compared to the days immediately after New Year’s [2].
Considering Flexibility for Flying on the Holiday Itself
Flying on New Year’s Eve evening or early on New Year’s Day can mean fewer crowds and cheaper fares. However, avoid traveling on January 2, which tends to be one of the busiest and priciest days [15][4].
Hopper’s travel experts emphasize this approach:
“To avoid the crowds this year, plan to travel on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day and again over New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.” [4]
Finding Lower Airfare Prices
New Year’s flights usually come with a premium, averaging 4% higher than usual. Domestic tickets cost around $830, while international fares average $1,630 [16]. To snag better deals, start monitoring prices by Halloween – roughly three months before your trip [7]. Use tools like Google Flights alerts to track price fluctuations for your chosen destinations [7]. The earlier you book, the better your chances of securing a good deal and your preferred flight times and seats [2].
For extra support during the busy holiday season, Flight Booking 247 offers 24/7 assistance (https://flightbooking247.com).
4. Spring Break: Cheapest Days to Fly
Spring break is one of those travel seasons where planning ahead can make a world of difference. Without a solid strategy, you might find yourself paying sky-high fares and dealing with packed flights. Airfares during spring break can jump as much as 33% during peak weeks, but smart timing can save you hundreds of dollars[17]. The trick? Knowing which dates to steer clear of and finding the quieter travel windows.
Avoiding Peak Travel Days to Save Money and Stress
The busiest – and priciest – spring break travel period typically falls between Passover and Easter, generally in mid-April. Hayley Berg, Lead Economist at Hopper, offers a clear warning for travelers:
“If you can do one thing, do not travel between Passover and Easter weekend. This is a big vacation week for schools in the U.S.”[17]
Key dates to avoid include the last two weekends of March and Mother’s Day weekend (May 9–11)[17]. The week of April 13–20 is particularly expensive, with airfare prices peaking during this time[17]. For a smoother and more affordable experience, aim to fly during the last week of April or the first week of May. Midweek flights – especially on Tuesdays and Wednesdays – are often less crowded, and early morning or red-eye flights can help you dodge the rush[18].
Scoring Cheaper Airfare
Avoiding peak travel days is just the start. Booking your flights strategically can lead to even bigger savings. Domestic tickets average under $300 during spring break, and flying midweek can shave an extra $56 off your fare. In busier months, those savings can climb to over $60 per ticket[7]. For international trips, booking flights for the last week of April can save you around $155, while domestic flights during late April or early May could cost up to $55 less than peak-season fares[17].
Timing is everything when it comes to booking. For domestic flights, aim to book 1–2 months in advance, while international flights are best secured 3–5 months ahead of time[7]. Tools like Google Flights price alerts can also help you snag a deal by tracking fare drops for your chosen destinations[20]. Once you’ve locked in those lower fares, you can focus on planning a hassle-free travel schedule.
Making Travel Easier and More Convenient
One tried-and-true tip for saving money is to fly early Saturday morning and return on Tuesday. This simple adjustment can slash airfare costs by up to 25%[17].
Daniel Marmontello, Senior Product Manager at CheapCaribbean, emphasizes flexibility:
“Be flexible. Look for departures a day before or after your desired dates. Airfare pricing can vary by departure date, and savings can be found by being flexible.”[21]
Another way to cut costs is by exploring alternative airports or nearby gateway cities. From there, you can connect to your destination using a low-cost carrier[19].
For popular spring break spots, prices vary. Flights to Orlando average around $275, while Cancun trips typically cost about $431[17]. Japan is also gaining popularity, with airfare down 13% compared to previous years – a tempting option for those seeking something different this spring break[17].
5. Summer Vacation: Flight Day Tips
Summer travel can be hectic, but with a little planning and smart timing, you can avoid the worst of the chaos. Choosing the right days to fly and booking strategically can save you money and make your journey a lot smoother.
Avoiding Peak Travel Days for a Calmer Experience
Timing is everything when it comes to dodging crowds. The busiest travel times usually line up with popular family vacation weeks, but there are quieter windows if you know where to look. For example, August 25 and 26 are expected to be the least crowded travel days this summer – perfect for those who prefer a more relaxed airport experience[23].
Other low-traffic times include late June and early July, when many families are in transition between school schedules and vacation plans[24]. Late August is another great option. As families gear up for the back-to-school season, airports tend to be less crowded, flights are more spacious, and security lines are shorter[22].
Scoring Lower Airfare Prices
Strategic timing doesn’t just reduce stress – it can also cut costs. Mid-week and early morning flights are often cheaper and come with shorter wait times. In fact, flying midweek could save you up to $100 on your ticket, according to Lindsay Schwimer, a travel expert at Hopper[7].
For international travel, mid-April is the sweet spot for booking summer flights. Dawn Morwood explains:
“The perfect time to book international summer flights is between 3-6 months before departure… For summer travel, April is your golden window… Our data shows that booking international flights in mid-April typically saves travelers between approximately $260 and $390 compared to booking in June.”[24]
If you’re flexible with your vacation dates, late August and early September offer fantastic value. Airfare during this period can drop by as much as 30% compared to peak summer prices[24]. This is particularly ideal for travelers without school-age kids or those willing to take shorter trips.
Making Travel as Convenient as Possible
Flying early in the morning or midweek can save you time and headaches. These flights tend to be less crowded, security lines move faster, and delays are less common. Tuesday is often the cheapest day to fly[25].
Late August travel has another perk: fewer crowds at popular destinations. Dawn Morwood highlights this advantage:
“The last two weeks of August and first week of September offer an incredible opportunity… You still get beautiful summer weather, but prices can drop by up to 30% compared to peak August rates.”[24]
Whether you’re heading to a bustling resort or a quiet escape, this timing often means better service and a more enjoyable experience overall.
Flexibility Can Pay Off
If you’re struggling to find affordable flights on popular travel days, consider flying on the holiday itself. These flights often have more availability and lower prices when traditional dates are sold out[26]. Flexibility, even if it means flying at less convenient times, can lead to significant savings[26].
Tools like Google Flights can help you track price changes and snag deals when fares drop. Setting up alerts for your preferred destinations ensures you’re always in the loop[24]. Keeping an open mind about travel dates and times is one of the best ways to make summer travel more affordable and less stressful.
For extra help finding great flight deals, you might consider using Flight Booking 247’s 24/7 travel concierge service.
6. Labor Day Weekend: Flight Planning
Just like the travel hustle around Christmas, Thanksgiving, and New Year’s, planning your Labor Day flights wisely can save you from stress and extra expenses. Labor Day weekend is the unofficial farewell to summer, and this year, the TSA expects to screen over 17 million travelers between August 29 and September 4, 2024 – an 8.5% jump from last year’s numbers [27][28]. A bit of strategic planning can make all the difference in navigating the crowds and keeping your travel budget in check.
Avoiding Peak Travel Days to Dodge the Crowds
The busiest travel days over Labor Day weekend are predictable, but with some flexibility, you can avoid the worst of it. The Friday before Labor Day and Labor Day Monday are notoriously packed [29]. In fact, Labor Day Monday consistently ranks as the second busiest day, right after Friday [29]. This year, August 30, 2024, is expected to take the crown as the most crowded day, with TSA screening an estimated 2.86 million passengers [27].
For a smoother journey, aim to fly on the Tuesday or Wednesday before Labor Day [28][29]. These midweek departures typically see far fewer travelers. If you must travel closer to the holiday, Saturday morning flights are usually less congested than Friday afternoon ones. On your return, consider flying back on the Sunday before Labor Day instead of braving the crowds on Monday [28][29].
| Day | Crowdedness Ranking |
|---|---|
| Friday before Labor Day | 1 (Most Crowded) |
| Labor Day Monday | 2 |
| Sunday after | 3 |
| Thursday before | 4 |
| Tuesday before | 15 (Least Crowded) |
Scoring Cheaper Airfare
Airfare during Labor Day weekend tends to fluctuate, and while there’s no magic formula for snagging the best price, Sundays are generally 6% cheaper for domestic flights [1].
Lindsay Schwimer, a Consumer Travel Expert at Hopper, puts it best:
“There’s no one day or golden rule when to book.” [7]
To increase your chances of finding a good deal, start tracking flight prices about three months before your travel dates [7]. Use price alerts to stay on top of changes and pounce on discounts when they appear [7][1]. Opting for midweek travel – like a Tuesday or Wednesday – can also save you close to $100 on your ticket [7].
Making Travel Easier
Beyond saving money, smart timing can make your airport experience less stressful. With record-breaking crowds expected, arriving early is crucial – at least two hours before domestic flights and three hours for international ones [30]. If you haven’t already, consider signing up for TSA PreCheck to breeze through security lines. It’s worth noting that the ten busiest days in TSA history have all occurred since May 2024 [27][28].
Early morning flights are another way to avoid the chaos. They tend to have shorter security lines, fewer delays, and more open seats. Pair that with a Tuesday or Wednesday departure, and you’ve got a recipe for a calmer, more economical trip [28][29].
Weighing the Option of Flying on Labor Day
Flexibility is your best friend when it comes to holiday travel. While flying on the actual holiday sometimes offers quieter airports and cheaper fares, Labor Day doesn’t follow that trend. Labor Day Monday is one of the busiest days of the travel period, especially for return flights [29][32]. If possible, shift your plans to avoid flying on this day altogether.
Domestic travel over Labor Day weekend is up 9% from last year, while international travel has dipped by 4% [31]. This means domestic routes will be especially packed, making midweek travel an even smarter choice for avoiding the crowds and ensuring a smoother trip.
7. Memorial Day Weekend: Travel Timing
Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of summer, and millions of people take to the skies to kick off the season. This year, AAA estimates that 3.61 million individuals will travel by plane during the holiday, while a total of 45.1 million will journey at least 50 miles from home [35][36]. Knowing when and how these crowds move can help you sidestep the rush and even save money on airfare.
Avoiding Peak Travel Days to Dodge Crowds
Looking at travel data from 2022 to 2024, one thing is clear: the Friday before Memorial Day is consistently the busiest day for air travel. On average, 2.69 million passengers take to the skies on this day [33]. In fact, 2024 saw this Friday break records as the most crowded travel day at U.S. airports [33]. The Sunday following Memorial Day is another crunch point, with an average of 2.62 million passengers, making it the most hectic day for return flights [33].
Want to avoid the chaos? Consider flying on the Saturday before Memorial Day, which sees significantly lighter traffic with just 2.21 million passengers on average [33].
| Flying Before Memorial Day | Average Daily Passengers |
|---|---|
| Friday before (Most crowded) | 2.69 million |
| Thursday before | 2.65 million |
| Wednesday before | 2.39 million |
| Saturday before (Least crowded) | 2.21 million |
| Flying On or After Memorial Day | Average Daily Passengers |
|---|---|
| Sunday after (Most crowded) | 2.62 million |
| Memorial Day (Monday) | 2.56 million |
| Saturday after (Least crowded) | 2.21 million |
| Wednesday after | 2.24 million |
Timing your travel around these peak days can make a big difference in your experience.
Finding Cheaper Airfare
If saving money is your priority, the timing of your flights matters just as much as avoiding crowds. Flights departing on Tuesdays and returning on Wednesdays often come with the best prices, as weekend travel tends to drive up costs [36]. Start monitoring ticket prices early and set up fare alerts to catch any drops.
Making Travel Easier
Strategic timing doesn’t just save money – it also makes your trip less stressful. Early morning flights and midweek travel are great for avoiding long lines and packed airports [34]. For instance, flying out on the Saturday before Memorial Day can mean fewer crowds and shorter security lines compared to the Friday rush. Similarly, returning on a Tuesday or Wednesday after the holiday can make for a smoother trip, as these days typically see lower passenger volumes.
Flying on Memorial Day: A Trade-Off
Flying on Memorial Day itself is a bit of a mixed bag. With 2.56 million passengers on average, it’s the second-busiest day of the weekend. If you choose to travel on this day – or on the Friday before or Sunday after – expect higher prices and longer waits. Arrive at the airport early to handle the inevitable lines and potential delays.
For the best Memorial Day travel experience, aim for off-peak days like Saturday departures and Tuesday or Wednesday returns. You’ll enjoy smaller crowds, lower fares, and a smoother journey overall.
Conclusion
Timing plays a crucial role in avoiding crowded airports and inflated airfare during public holidays. Being flexible with your travel dates can make a noticeable difference in both cost and convenience, helping you sidestep the chaos often associated with holiday travel.
To save money and avoid the busiest times, steer clear of flying the day before a major holiday and the Sunday after. Instead, aim for midweek travel – Tuesdays and Wednesdays are typically less hectic and come with cheaper fares. Surprisingly, flying on the holiday itself, whether it’s Christmas Day, Thanksgiving Day, or Memorial Day, can also mean lower prices and fewer crowds.
When it comes to booking, timing is everything. For domestic flights, book 1–3 months in advance, while international flights are best booked 2–8 months ahead[2]. With nearly half (45.01%) of American adults planning to travel for Christmas[2], waiting until the last minute could leave you with limited choices and higher costs. Setting fare alerts and keeping an eye on prices early can help you snag the best deals.
Consider opting for morning flights, which tend to be more reliable than evening ones. And when you spot a good deal, don’t hesitate – being ready to book can make all the difference. For personalized help navigating the complexities of holiday travel, Flight Booking 247 offers 24/7 assistance to secure the best flight deals in real time (https://flightbooking247.com).
FAQs
Why are flights often cheaper on the holiday itself compared to the days before or after?
Flying on the actual holiday often comes with lower ticket prices. Why? Most people prefer to travel either before or after the holiday to maximize their time off, which drives up demand – and consequently, prices – on those days. To fill seats and attract travelers, airlines typically reduce fares for flights scheduled on the holiday itself.
This pricing strategy ties into the concept of dynamic pricing, where airlines adjust ticket costs based on demand. Since fewer people choose to travel on the holiday, demand drops, and prices tend to follow suit. For budget-conscious travelers, this can be an excellent opportunity to save money while still reaching their destination.
How can price alerts help me save money on holiday flights?
Setting up price alerts can be a game-changer when it comes to saving money on holiday flights. These alerts monitor ticket prices for your chosen route and dates, sending you updates when prices drop – or when they’re likely to rise. This way, you can skip the hassle of constantly refreshing flight search pages.
By taking advantage of these notifications, you can lock in the best fares at the right time, avoiding the dreaded overpayment that often happens during busy travel seasons like public holidays. It’s a simple yet powerful way to make smarter booking decisions and get more value out of your travel budget.
What are the advantages of flying early in the morning or late at night during busy holiday travel periods?
Flying during the early morning or late at night, especially during peak holiday travel, has some clear perks. For starters, airports are usually much quieter at these times, which means shorter lines at check-in and security. This can make the whole process quicker and far less stressful.
Another big plus? Early flights are generally more punctual. Since delays tend to pile up as the day goes on, catching the first flight out reduces the chances of running into scheduling issues.
If you’re looking to save some money, flying during these off-peak hours can also be easier on your wallet. These flights are often cheaper, making them a smart choice for budget-conscious travelers. Plus, arriving at your destination early gives you extra time to dive into your plans – whether that’s exploring, relaxing, or just getting a head start on your trip. For a smoother, more budget-friendly journey, booking flights during these quieter times is worth considering.
