How to Avoid Holiday Flight Price Hikes in 2025: Expert Tips from Upgraded Points

Published on November 18, 2025

With the arrival of the festive season, people travelling all over the United States are getting ready for the expected increase in ticket prices. Upgraded Points has come up with a new study, published on the 17th of November, 2025, which gives information on the best and the worst days to fly during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday seasons of 2025. This detailed analysis, which has taken into consideration more than 40,000 flights on the 10 busiest U.S. domestic routes, offers important information to people who want to dodge high ticket prices and get money-saving tips.

Key Findings: The Impact of Timing on Holiday Travel Costs

Upgraded Points compared typical November fares with prices surrounding Thanksgiving and Christmas, highlighting significant price differences. On average, ticket prices during the holiday windows can rise as much as 55% compared to early November fares. However, there are still opportunities to fly on cheaper days if travellers are flexible with their schedules.

The report also revealed that airlines have varying levels of price increases. Some carriers raise fares substantially, while others have more modest hikes, depending on the travel day. By choosing the right day to fly, passengers can avoid the worst price surges.

Thanksgiving 2025: Best and Worst Days for Travel

For Thanksgiving travel, which typically sees high demand due to family gatherings, prices spike dramatically as the holiday approaches. The average one-way fare for the period surrounding Thanksgiving jumped 55% from 178 USD to 276 USD, according to the study. The sharpest price increases occurred in the days leading up to Thanksgiving, with some airlines, like Frontier Airlines and JetBlue Airways, seeing massive fare hikes.

Frontier Airlines had the largest price increase, with fares rising by 163%, or about $188 more than the typical November fare. Other airlines with significant price surges include JetBlue Airways (99.6% increase) and Spirit Airlines (88% increase).

The report also identified the best days to book flights, revealing Monday, November 24, and Tuesday, November 25, as offering the lowest price increases. On the other hand, Saturday, November 29, saw the largest price spike, with a 167% increase, or 254 USD more than typical fares.

Christmas Travel 2025: What to Expect

The Christmas holiday season also brings considerable fare increases, though the price fluctuations tend to be more uniform throughout the period. The study showed that the largest price hikes during Christmas came from Frontier Airlines, which saw an astonishing 199.4% increase, or $229 more, for flights during the holiday season. Spirit Airlines and JetBlue Airways also experienced substantial increases of 154.3% and 144%, respectively.

Despite the overall surge in fares, there are still opportunities to secure more affordable tickets. The best days to book around Christmas include Sunday, December 21, and Wednesday, December 24 (Christmas Eve), which saw the smallest price increases (21% and 74.5%, respectively).

The study also noted that Southwest Airlines stood out with a more consistent pricing strategy, with fares increasing by just 28% over the holiday period. This could be due to Southwest’s more flexible fare policies and consistent early bookings by frequent travellers.

Airlines to Consider for Budget Holiday Travel

While some airlines raise prices dramatically, others offer better deals for holiday travel. Based on the study, Southwest Airlines emerged as a more affordable choice for those flying during the holidays, with relatively smaller price increases compared to competitors. Other airlines like American Airlines and United Airlines saw moderate price hikes, which could still be manageable with careful planning.

Travellers looking to save should avoid booking flights with airlines like Frontier and Spirit, which are known for steep price increases during peak holiday periods. Instead, flying on days with lower price surges and choosing airlines with more stable pricing patterns could help travellers reduce their travel costs.

How to Save on Holiday Flights: Tips from the Study

Upgraded Points advises travellers to book flights during the off-peak days identified in the study. Being flexible with travel dates, especially in the days immediately before or after the major holiday rush—can result in significant savings. Early bookings are also key, as they can secure the best prices before the surge begins.

Travellers should also consider booking flights on weekdays like Monday and Tuesday, when fares tend to be lower, as opposed to flying on weekends or the busiest days. Flexibility with flight times, such as opting for flights early in the morning or late at night, can also help avoid peak pricing.

Smart Strategies to Save on Holiday Travel

Navigating the holiday travel season can be overwhelming, but with careful planning, travellers can reduce the financial strain of soaring ticket prices. The Upgraded Points study highlights the importance of timing, suggesting that savvy travellers who book on the right days and choose the right airlines can avoid the most expensive surges. By following the tips for flexible travel dates, early bookings, and choosing less expensive days, travellers can enjoy a more affordable and stress-free holiday journey.