What Is the Best Time to Book Flights for Christmas? Save Money on Holiday Travel

The Christmas season is one of the most festiveand expensivetimes of the year to travel. Airports are packed, flight prices soar, and securing the right itinerary often feels like a challenge. If youve asked yourself, what is the best time to book flights for Christmas, youre not alone. Millions of travelers look for the best time to book Christmas flights each year to save money and travel with peace of mind.

In this comprehensive guide, well explain when to book, why timing matters, and how to save big during the busiest travel season of the year.

Why Christmas Flights Are So Expensive

Understanding why holiday airfare is so high can help you plan better. Here are the main reasons:

• High demand: Christmas is a peak travel period with millions flying home or vacationing.

• Limited availability: Flights fill up quickly, and popular routes often sell out.

• Low flexibility: Most people travel between December 20 and January 2, leading to crowded travel dates.

• Weather concerns: Winter storms and delays can impact flight schedules, making flexibility even more important.

To avoid paying a premium, you must know the best time to book flights for Christmasand stick to it.

The Best Time to Book Flights for Christmas: Key Booking Window

The golden rule? Dont wait too long. According to travel experts and historical airfare data, the best time to book Christmas flights is between mid-September and mid-October.

? Ideal Booking Window:

70 to 100 days before Christmas
For 2025, this means booking between September 15 and October 15.

Booking within this timeframe gives you a good mix of availability and affordable prices. Most airlines have published their full holiday schedules by then, and the fares are not yet inflated by last-minute demand.

? Too Early (May July):

You might think booking super early guarantees savings, but thats not always true. Airlines dont usually offer their best fares this far in advance, and promotional fares may not be available yet.

? Too Late (November December):

As you get closer to Christmas, prices jump dramatically. Waiting until November or December to book can result in higher fares and limited optionsespecially for non-stop flights.

Best Travel Dates Around Christmas

Apart from when you book, when you fly matters just as much. If youre flexible with your travel dates, you can save even more.

Cheapest Days to Fly:

• December 1820: Flying early helps you avoid the last-minute holiday rush.

• Christmas Eve (December 24) or Christmas Day (December 25): Surprisingly, these can be cheaper since many people prefer to arrive earlier.

Most Expensive Days to Fly:

• December 2123: These are the busiest and priciest travel days.

• December 2627: These are popular return days and often come with high fares.

Flying midweek (Tuesday or Wednesday) instead of the weekend can also lead to savings.

Tips for Booking the Best Christmas Flights

Now that you know the best time to book Christmas flights, use these expert tips to lock in the lowest fares.

1. Use Flight Comparison Websites

Websites like Google Flights, Skyscanner, Kayak, and Hopper allow you to compare fares across different airlines and set up fare alerts for your desired route and dates.

2. Book Round-Trip Flights

Round-trip fares are generally cheaper than booking two one-way flights. Booking both legs together can also ensure better seat options and fewer layovers.

3. Consider Nearby Airports

Look for flights from or to alternate airports. For example, if you're flying into Los Angeles, check fares for Burbank or Long Beach as well.

4. Use Airline Miles or Points

If you have credit card points or frequent flyer miles, Christmas is an ideal time to redeem themjust be sure to book early, as award availability disappears quickly.

5. Be Flexible With Travel Times

Red-eye flights, early morning departures, or late-night returns are less popularand often cheaper.

Planning Ahead: When to Start Monitoring Prices

If you plan to travel for Christmas, start monitoring prices by August. This gives you a feel for the average cost and lets you spot a deal as soon as it appears. You dont need to book right away, but being informed helps you move fast when prices drop.

Set up flight alerts and begin comparing routes. That way, once you enter the ideal booking window (SeptemberOctober), youll be ready to buy confidently.

Should You Wait for Black Friday or Cyber Monday?

While some travelers wait for Black Friday or Cyber Monday to snag cheap airfare, that can be a gamble when it comes to Christmas travel. Airlines rarely discount high-demand dates around Christmas, and by late November, many affordable options are already sold out.

If you find a decent fare in September or October, dont waitbook it. The longer you delay, the more youll likely pay.

What If You Have to Book Last Minute?

Sometimes, last-minute trips are unavoidable. If you find yourself booking flights in late November or December, here are a few tricks:

• Use flexible dates to compare prices

• Try different flight combinations or connecting routes

• Redeem miles or points to reduce out-of-pocket costs

• Check budget airlines for hidden deals

• Travel on Christmas Day or New Years Day, when fewer people fly

While you may not get the lowest fare, these tips can still help you save.

Final Thoughts

So, what is the best time to book flights for Christmas? Without a doubt, the answer is between mid-September and mid-October. Booking during this period gives you access to the best deals, the widest selection of flights, and greater flexibility.

The holidays can already be stressful. Dont let expensive airfare add to the chaos. By planning ahead, flying on less popular days, and booking during the prime window, youll enjoy peace of mindand keep more money in your wallet.