The holiday season is one of the most cherished times of the year. From sparkling lights to festive gatherings, Christmas brings families and friends together—often from across the country or around the world. But when it comes to traveling during this high-demand period, ticket prices can be overwhelming. That’s why many travelers ask, what is the best time to book flights for Christmas?

If you're hoping to travel without spending a fortune, understanding the best time to book Christmas flights is crucial. In this article, we'll break down the ideal booking window, offer data-driven strategies, and share expert travel tips to help you fly affordably during the holidays.

Why Are Christmas Flights So Expensive?

Before diving into the ideal time to book, it's important to understand why Christmas travel is notoriously pricey.

  1. High Demand: Millions of travelers fly to visit family or go on vacation during the Christmas period, driving up demand.

  2. Limited Flexibility: Most people are restricted to traveling around specific dates—like December 23 to 26—leaving less room for price fluctuations.

  3. Limited Seat Supply: Airlines don’t necessarily increase flight capacity during holidays, meaning fewer seats and higher prices.

  4. Weather Delays: December is prone to winter weather, so travelers often book early to avoid last-minute disruptions.

Because of these factors, prices start rising sooner than many travelers expect. Knowing the best time to book flights for Christmas helps avoid costly last-minute fares.

What Is the Best Time to Book Flights for Christmas?

🎯 Ideal Booking Window: 70–100 Days in Advance

According to multiple travel studies and airfare analysts, the best time to book Christmas flights is between mid-September and mid-October—roughly 10 to 14 weeks before your departure date.

✅ Why This Time Is Best:

  • Airlines release more affordable fare buckets during this period.

  • There’s still wide seat availability, allowing you to choose preferred flight times and airlines.

  • Promotional deals are often launched around this time.

Booking within this window allows you to avoid both the early high-season fares and the expensive last-minute rates that appear in November and December.

When Not to Book

❌ Too Early (May–July):

  • You may end up paying more unless there’s a rare sale or special promotion.

  • Airlines haven’t yet released their lowest Christmas fares.

❌ Too Late (November–December):

  • Prices are usually much higher.

  • Most affordable seats are already booked.

  • Fewer flight options and increased risk of overbooking.

Best Days to Travel Around Christmas

While booking early is key, your travel dates also play a major role in how much you pay.

🟢 Cheapest Days to Fly:

  • December 18–20 (midweek, before peak rush)

  • December 24 (Christmas Eve) – surprisingly affordable

  • December 25 (Christmas Day) – least popular, often cheapest

  • January 1 or 2 – after the New Year peak

🔴 Most Expensive Days to Fly:

  • December 21–23 – high outbound demand

  • December 26–28 – return flight surge

  • December 29–31 – limited availability and high demand

If you can be flexible and travel on the actual holiday or a few days before the crowd rush, you’ll likely save significantly.

When to Book International Christmas Flights

For international travel, planning even earlier is advisable.

🌍 Best Time to Book International Christmas Flights:

  • Europe: Book 3–5 months in advance (July–September)

  • Asia: Book 5–6 months ahead (June–August)

  • South America: Book 3–4 months early

  • Australia/New Zealand: Book at least 4–6 months ahead

International fares during Christmas sell out fast, so booking by summer ensures better prices and availability.

Tips for Finding the Best Christmas Flight Deals

Here’s how to make the most of your holiday travel planning:

1. Set Fare Alerts Early

Platforms like Google Flights, Skyscanner, Hopper, and Kayak let you monitor price changes. Set alerts as early as August to track trends and pounce on deals.

2. Be Flexible With Dates and Airports

Flying a day before or after your ideal date—or from a nearby airport—can save hundreds of dollars.

3. Use Airline Miles or Points

The earlier you book, the better the availability for award flights. Redeem points before they're gone.

4. Travel on Off-Peak Times

Red-eye or early morning flights tend to be less expensive. Plus, airports are less crowded.

5. Book Round-Trip for Better Deals

Many airlines offer discounts for round-trip tickets over one-way fares.

Myths About Christmas Flight Booking

❌ Myth 1: Last-Minute Deals Will Save Me Money

Reality: Last-minute sales are rare during the holiday season. Waiting too long typically means higher prices.

❌ Myth 2: Black Friday Has the Best Flight Deals

Reality: By Black Friday, Christmas flight prices are already high. Don’t wait until then.

❌ Myth 3: Airlines Lower Prices Just Before Departure

Reality: They rarely do, especially for peak holiday travel. Prices go up, not down.

What to Do If You Haven’t Booked Yet

If you’ve missed the best booking window, don’t worry—there are still ways to save:

  • Check Alternate Routes: Consider flying into a nearby city and renting a car.

  • Bundle With Hotels or Car Rentals: Some booking platforms offer discounts when you purchase packages.

  • Use Flexible Date Searches: Most travel sites let you search ±3 days to find the best fares.

  • Try Budget Airlines: Carriers like Spirit, Frontier, and JetBlue may offer last-minute fare drops (watch out for added fees).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What is the best day of the week to book Christmas flights?

Answer: Tuesday and Wednesday are often the cheapest days to book, as airlines release discounts midweek.

Q2: Is it cheaper to fly on Christmas Day?

Answer: Yes. Fewer people fly on December 25, so fares tend to be lower than on surrounding days.

Q3: When do Christmas flight prices peak?

Answer: Prices peak between late November and mid-December. By then, most low-fare seats are gone.

Q4: Should I book my return flight at the same time?

Answer: Absolutely. Return flights after Christmas are in high demand and become expensive quickly.

Conclusion

If you're wondering what is the best time to book flights for Christmas, the answer is clear: aim to book between mid-September and mid-October. This window offers the best mix of low fares and wide availability before the holiday travel rush hits.

By booking early, staying flexible with travel dates, and using smart tools like fare alerts and comparison websites, you can score affordable tickets and avoid last-minute stress.