Holiday airfare is running higher this year, and the booking window for Thanksgiving is already open. Based on Google’s booking data, the best prices for Thanksgiving flights tend to appear between late September and early November, with the low point around October 21. For Christmas, the window runs from mid-October to late November. Below are the dates worked out for 2026, the cheapest days to fly, and how to book without overpaying.
Thanksgiving falls on Thursday, November 26, 2026, and Christmas Day is Friday, December 25.
Thanksgiving 2026: When to Book
Google’s 2025 holiday travel analysis, built on flight data from January 2021 through August 2025, found that Thanksgiving fares tend to be lowest about 35 days before departure, with good prices between 24 and 59 days out. This is a historical pattern, not a guarantee for this year, but it is the best public benchmark available.
Applied to a Wednesday, November 25 departure, that works out to:
| Booking benchmark | Date for a Nov. 25 departure |
|---|---|
| Window opens (59 days out) | September 27 |
| Historical sweet spot (35 days out) | October 21 |
| Window closes (24 days out) | November 1 |
If you are reading this in late September, you are at the start of the window. Adjust the dates by a day or two if you leave earlier in the week.
Christmas and New Year’s 2026: When to Book
Google’s data points to a longer window for the December holidays: the best prices usually appear 32 to 73 days before departure, with the sweet spot around 51 days out. For a December 23 departure:
| Booking benchmark | Date for a Dec. 23 departure |
|---|---|
| Window opens (73 days out) | October 11 |
| Historical sweet spot (51 days out) | November 2 |
| Window closes (32 days out) | November 21 |
Are Holiday Fares Higher in 2026?
Yes, by most measures. The Points Guy, citing data from its partner Points Path, reported in early September that domestic Thanksgiving cash fares were running roughly 9% to 13% above last year, Christmas fares about 12% to 18% higher, and international holiday fares about 16% higher. Those are tracked-fare comparisons, so what you find on a specific route can be better or worse.
Because of that, waiting for a last-minute drop is a riskier bet than usual. Holiday fares rarely fall close to departure on popular routes, since demand is concentrated on a few peak days.
The Cheapest Days to Fly
Google’s data shows the cheapest days to travel are still Monday through Wednesday, about 13% cheaper than flying over the weekend. Departure day matters more than booking day: the gap between the cheapest and priciest day to buy a ticket is small, roughly 1.3%, while the gap between travel days can be $100 or more per ticket according to figures TPG cites from Google and Hopper.
For Thanksgiving specifically:
- Cheaper: the days early in the week (Monday and Tuesday), Thanksgiving Day itself, and the Monday after for returns.
- Typically most expensive: the Wednesday before Thanksgiving for outbound trips, and the Sunday after for returns.
The same logic applies at Christmas: flying on or right around December 24 and 25 is often cheaper than traveling on the busiest days beforehand. Flexibility of even a day can save more than any booking trick.
Other Ways to Cut the Cost
- Consider a layover. Google found that flights with a layover averaged about 22% cheaper than nonstop flights. The trade-off is more time and more risk of a missed connection in winter weather.
- Compare nearby airports. A drive of an hour or so can change the fare, especially in big metro areas.
- Set price alerts. Google Flights and similar tools track a route and email you when fares move, which removes the guesswork about whether to buy now.
- Add up the full price. Basic economy fares can be cheaper until you add a checked bag or seat selection. Compare the total for your itinerary, not the headline fare.
- Use the 24-hour rule. In the United States, airlines must generally allow you to cancel a ticket for a full refund within 24 hours of booking if you booked at least seven days before departure. Check the airline’s policy for the details. This lets you lock in a good fare and keep looking.
Before You Book: Documents and Risks
A cheap fare is no help if you cannot get through security. Check that everyone traveling has the right ID, and if you have not yet upgraded your license, read our guide to REAL ID enforcement in 2026. Our roundup of what changed for air travelers in 2026 covers TSA, airline, and international rule changes that may affect your trip.
Also keep the calendar in mind for December trips. Federal funding runs through December 11, and a lapse could affect airport operations during the busiest travel weeks. We break down the risk in our article on the December 11 government shutdown deadline and your holiday travel. If your plans are flexible, that is one more reason to avoid tight connections and to consider travel insurance or a fare that allows changes.
A Simple Booking Plan
- Pick your dates and a backup. Know which days you can shift by a day or two.
- Set a price alert today for your route and dates.
- Start watching at the window opening (late September for Thanksgiving, mid-October for Christmas).
- Book when the fare fits your budget, ideally near the sweet spot dates above. Do not wait for a lower price if the current one works.
- Recheck after booking if your airline allows changes without a large fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I book Thanksgiving flights for 2026?
Based on Google’s historical data, between late September and about November 1 for a Wednesday, November 25 departure, with the lowest prices historically around October 21.
When should I book Christmas flights for 2026?
Google’s data points to 32 to 73 days before departure, which is roughly October 11 to November 21 for a December 23 departure, with the sweet spot around November 2.
What is the cheapest day to fly for Thanksgiving?
Typically early in the week, on Thanksgiving Day itself, or the Monday after. The Wednesday before and the Sunday after are usually the most expensive.
Are flights more expensive this year?
Tracked fares suggest so: about 9% to 13% higher for domestic Thanksgiving trips and 12% to 18% higher for Christmas, according to data reported by The Points Guy.
Sources: Google, “Holiday travel trends and insights for 2025” (booking-window data covering January 2021 to August 2025); The Points Guy, holiday flight guide (September 2, 2026), citing Points Path fare data; Autopilot’s Thanksgiving 2026 booking analysis. Booking windows are historical patterns, and actual fares vary by route and airline.
