Best Days to Fly During Christmas and New Year 2025 for Affordable Airfares

Published on December 21, 2025

The winter holidays are one of the most expensive times of the year to travel due to high demand and expensive airfares. Though, there are ways to plan around this busy period. 2025 is predicted to be particularly busy for air travel with millions of travelers in the United States. This post outlines the cheapest and most expensive days to fly during the winter holidays in 2025.

High Demand and Rising Airfares

In 2025, air travel is set to reach new heights, with over 8 million people expected to take domestic flights between December 19 and January 5. This surge in travel is driven by both Christmas and New Year’s celebrations, creating a highly competitive environment for securing flights. Airfares during this period are expected to be 7% higher than in previous years, with an average round-trip cost nearing $900.

Cheapest Days to Travel in 2025

If you’re flexible with your travel dates, you can still score lower airfares during the peak holiday season. Here are the days that are expected to offer the best deals:

1. Christmas Eve (December 24)
Flying on Christmas Eve is expected to be the most affordable day for departure. Fewer people typically travel on this day, and airlines often offer discounts to fill flights.

2. Christmas Day (December 25)
Christmas Day is another great option for cheaper fares. As many people celebrate the holiday at home, flight demand is lower, driving prices down.

3. New Year’s Eve (December 31)
Flying on New Year’s Eve is a smart choice for budget-conscious travelers. With many people focusing on celebrations later in the evening, flights tend to be less crowded and more affordable.

4. New Year’s Day (January 1)
New Year’s Day also sees lower demand for flights, as most people are recovering from the previous evening’s celebrations. This could be a great opportunity to find budget-friendly fares.

Other Tips for Cheaper Flights

In addition to flying on specific holidays, there are general trends that can help you secure cheaper flights during the winter season. According to industry reports:

• Midweek Flights (Monday to Wednesday): Flying on Mondays, Tuesdays, or Wednesdays is often 13% cheaper than traveling on weekends. If you can adjust your travel plans to midweek, you may save a significant amount.
• Flights with Layovers: Nonstop flights are usually more expensive, so consider booking flights with layovers to save up to 22% on your ticket price.

Most Expensive Days to Travel in 2025

On the flip side, some days are expected to be more expensive than others due to high demand. Here are the peak days you should avoid:

1. December 20 to December 21 (Pre-Christmas)
The days leading up to Christmas, especially December 20, 21, and 22, are predicted to be some of the busiest. These dates are often when many travelers rush to reach their holiday destinations, driving up airfares.

2. Saturday, December 20
This day is expected to be the most expensive for outbound flights. With the weekend approaching and many people eager to start their holiday travels, airlines increase prices in response to the high demand.

3. Friday, December 26 (Post-Christmas)
Return flights after Christmas tend to be costly, with December 26 marking one of the priciest days for flying home. Many travelers want to return to work or school immediately after the holiday, creating a rush on flights.

4. Sunday, December 28
This day is expected to be another peak return travel day. Airlines typically raise fares to accommodate the surge of passengers heading back home after Christmas.

After New Year’s: Still Expensive

While the days following New Year’s Eve tend to have lower demand, airfares remain high through the first week of January. Some travelers opt to squeeze in one last holiday weekend, contributing to the high cost of flights. Sunday, January 4, in particular, is anticipated to be one of the most expensive days for return travel.

Travel Tips for Booking Holiday Flights

• Book Early: Given the higher demand and rising fares, booking your flight early is essential. Airlines usually offer discounts for early bookings, so try to finalize your travel plans as soon as possible.
• Monitor Price Trends: Airfare prices fluctuate frequently, so it’s wise to track prices for your preferred travel dates. Websites and apps like Google Flights or Expedia offer fare tracking tools to help you spot price drops.
• Consider Alternative Airports: If you’re flying to a major city, check if nearby airports offer better fares. Often, flights to smaller airports may be less expensive, even if it means a longer drive.
• Flexible Dates: If possible, stay flexible with your travel dates. Minor adjustments, such as shifting your departure by a day or two, can result in significant savings.

Plan Ahead for Next Year

Although you’re planning for the next year, it is also good to keep in mind the holidays in the year prior. When planning your holidays in the winter keep in mind winter holidays, booking early, watching fare trends, and keeping your schedule flexible is a good idea as planning these holidays is always very busy.

Also, as the holidays are very busy, keeping in mind the dates of the expensive to the cheaper of flying is a good idea to save costs and travel more over the holidays.