What Is the Best Time to Book Flights for Christmas? Smart Tips to Secure the Best Deals

The Christmas season is one of the most joyfuland most expensivetimes to travel. Millions of people head home to spend time with family or take holiday vacations, causing a surge in airline ticket prices. So if you're asking yourself, what is the best time to book flights for Christmas, you're not alone.

Finding the best time to book Christmas flights can save you money, reduce travel stress, and ensure you get the flight times and dates that work best for your holiday plans. In this article, we break down the ideal booking window, best days to fly, and practical travel tips to help you navigate the holiday travel rush with ease.

Why Christmas Flight Prices Skyrocket

The holiday season sees a sharp increase in travel due to several factors:

• High Demand: Everyone wants to fly around the same few days in December.

• Limited Availability: Seats fill up quickly, especially for direct flights and popular destinations.

• Fixed Travel Dates: Families and workers often have little flexibility, which allows airlines to charge premium prices.

• Weather Uncertainty: Delays and cancellations are more common in winter, making travelers hesitant to wait for last-minute bookings.

To avoid inflated costs and fully booked flights, planning and booking early are key.

When Is the Best Time to Book Flights for Christmas?

Most travel experts agree that the best time to book flights for Christmas is between mid-September and mid-October. This is when airlines have finalized their holiday schedules, and prices are still relatively low compared to the last-minute surge.

? Ideal Booking Window:

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

? Too Early (MayJuly):

Booking too early might not offer the best prices. Airlines sometimes hold off on releasing discount fares for holiday dates until later in the summer.

? Too Late (NovemberDecember):

If you book in November or December, expect to pay significantly more. Popular routes and convenient travel times may already be sold out.

Best Days to Fly During the Christmas Season

Along with knowing what is the best time to book flights for Christmas, it helps to know when to fly to save money.

Cheapest Days to Fly:

• December 1820: Fly before the rush starts.

• Christmas Eve (December 24): Often cheaper than flying earlier.

• Christmas Day (December 25): Fewer travelers, which may mean lower prices.

Most Expensive Days:

• December 2123: These are peak travel dates, and flights are typically more expensive.

• December 2627: Return travel peaks after Christmas, causing prices to rise again.

Pro Tip:

Midweek flights (Tuesday or Wednesday) are generally cheaper than weekend departures.

Tips to Find the Best Christmas Flight Deals

Booking within the right window is only part of the strategy. Here are other ways to get the best deals for your holiday flights:

1. Set Up Price Alerts

Use platforms like Google Flights, Skyscanner, Hopper, or Kayak to monitor fare changes. Theyll notify you when prices drop for your preferred route and dates.

2. Consider Nearby Airports

Flying in or out of alternate airports can lead to significant savings. For example, check Oakland if you're heading to San Francisco or consider Newark if youre traveling to New York.

3. Use Miles or Travel Rewards

If youve collected points through credit cards or frequent flyer programs, redeeming them during the holidays is smartjust be sure to book early as award seats are limited.

4. Choose Less Popular Times

Red-eye flights, early mornings, or late-night departures are usually cheaper than mid-day travel.

5. Bundle Flights with Hotels

Travel websites like Expedia, Orbitz, and Priceline sometimes offer discounts when you book your flight and hotel together.

When to Start Planning for Christmas Travel

Even if you're not ready to book, you should begin planning your Christmas travel as early as June or July. Use this time to:

• Research routes and fares

• Set up fare alerts

• Talk with family and finalize dates

• Consider using points or miles

• Watch airline promotions and sales

By the time September rolls around, youll be ready to book confidently within the ideal window.

Is Black Friday a Good Time to Book Christmas Flights?

Not necessarily. Many travelers assume Black Friday or Cyber Monday will bring the best airfare deals. But in reality, airlines rarely discount flights for peak holiday travel during these sales.

If you wait until late November to book, you may end up paying more. If you see a good deal in September or October, grab itdont wait for a sale that may not apply to Christmas flights.

What If You Have to Book Last-Minute?

Last-minute Christmas travel is tough, but not impossible. Here are a few quick tips if you're booking in November or December:

• Use flexible date search options to find the cheapest combination.

• Travel on less popular days, such as Christmas Day or New Years Eve.

• Consider alternate routes or connecting flights to reduce costs.

• Use travel rewards to offset the higher price.

• Fly with budget carriers if available, but watch for baggage fees.

Summary Table: Christmas Flight Booking at a Glance

Family Travel Considerations

Families should book even earlier within the ideal window. Travel with children, elderly relatives, or large groups requires:

• Guaranteed seating together

• Fewer layovers

• Flexible cancellation or change policies

These flights sell out fast, especially during school holidays. Booking early also gives you better flight times and less hassle at the airport.

Conclusion

If you're planning to travel during the holidays, knowing what is the best time to book flights for Christmas is essential. The best time is between September 15 and October 15, when prices are still competitive, and flight availability is high.

Booking too early or too late can cost you hundreds more, not to mention the stress of trying to find a good itinerary during a hectic travel season. Combine smart booking with flexible dates and savvy travel tools, and youll be well on your way to celebrating Christmas at your dream destinationwithout blowing your budget.