What is the best time to book flights for Christmas? If you’re planning to travel during the festive season, timing is everything. Booking too earlbest time to book flights for christmasy might cost you extra, and booking too late could leave you with sky-high fares or no seats at all.
Christmas is one of the busiest travel periods of the year. Flights fill up fast, prices fluctuate rapidly, and the demand for airline tickets skyrockets. That’s why knowing the best time to book flights for Christmas can help you save money, reduce stress, and enjoy a smoother travel experience.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through when to book your Christmas flights, why timing matters, the cheapest days to travel, and tips for getting the best deals.
Why Christmas Flights Are So Expensive
Before diving into the timeline, it’s important to understand why Christmas travel is so costly:
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High demand: Millions travel to visit friends and family.
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Limited supply: Airlines often operate at full capacity during holidays.
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Peak season pricing: Airlines know that people are willing to pay more to travel during the holidays.
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Last-minute bookings: Procrastinators usually end up paying more.
Because of these factors, the earlier you can lock in your travel plans, the better.
So, What Is the Best Time to Book Flights for Christmas?
According to various travel studies and industry insights, the best time to book flights for Christmas is between 70 to 100 days in advance — roughly early September to mid-October.
Booking during this window offers the ideal balance between availability, price, and flexibility.
✅ Booking 3–4 Months in Advance (August to September)
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Early access to discounted fares
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More options for seats, times, and direct flights
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Lower stress and better travel planning
✅ Booking 2–3 Months in Advance (October)
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Still a great time for deals
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Seats are filling fast, so act quickly
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Limited flexibility on peak travel dates
⚠️ Booking 1 Month or Less (November to December)
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Prices may surge dramatically
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Limited seat availability
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High risk of delays and crowded airports
Cheapest Days to Fly for Christmas
Once you know the best time to book flights for Christmas, the next step is choosing the best days to fly. While flight costs depend on the route and airline, the cheapest days are usually:
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Before Christmas:
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December 18–20: Great options for early planners
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Avoid December 22–24, when fares peak
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After Christmas:
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December 25 (Christmas Day) can offer cheaper fares
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December 26–28 tend to be more expensive
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Flying mid-week (Tuesday/Wednesday) is generally more affordable
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Flying on Christmas Day or New Year’s Eve can be surprisingly cost-effective since fewer travelers prefer these dates.
Best Booking Platforms for Christmas Flights
Use trusted flight comparison websites and apps to monitor price changes and book confidently. Some of the most effective platforms include:
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Google Flights
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Skyscanner
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Hopper (great for price prediction)
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Kayak
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Expedia
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Direct airline websites
These platforms allow you to set alerts, compare multiple airlines, and find the lowest fare for your preferred dates.
Tips to Save on Christmas Flights
Here are some insider travel guide tips to help you score the best deals on your holiday flights:
1. Be Flexible with Dates
Avoid peak departure and return dates. Flying a few days before or after the holiday can make a big difference.
2. Use Fare Alerts
Set alerts on platforms like Skyscanner or Google Flights. These tools notify you when prices drop on your desired route.
3. Consider Alternative Airports
Sometimes flying into or out of a nearby airport can save hundreds of dollars.
4. Book Roundtrip Instead of One-Way
Roundtrip flights are often cheaper and easier to manage, especially during the holiday season.
5. Redeem Miles or Points
If you have frequent flyer miles or credit card points, this is the perfect time to use them.
6. Book Early Morning or Late-Night Flights
These less popular times are typically more affordable and less crowded.
What If You Missed the Ideal Booking Window?
Don’t panic if you didn’t book during the September–October window. Here’s what to do if you’re booking in November or later:
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Set price alerts immediately.
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Be flexible with departure times and dates.
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Avoid flying on peak travel days.
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Consider flying into an alternative airport.
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Book as soon as possible—prices will only go up the closer you get to Christmas.
In some rare cases, airlines may release last-minute deals in early December, but this is risky during the holiday season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is the best time to book flights for Christmas 2025?
A: The best time is between early September and mid-October 2025, when fares are lower and availability is high.
Q2. Are flights cheaper on Christmas Day?
A: Yes. Fewer people fly on Christmas Day, making it one of the cheapest dates to travel.
Q3. Should I wait for last-minute deals?
A: For Christmas, it’s not advisable. Prices typically rise as the date gets closer.
Q4. What day is best to fly before Christmas?
A: Try to fly by December 18 or 19. Avoid December 22–24 if possible, as these dates are the most expensive.
Q5. When should I return from Christmas travel for the best price?
A: Aim to return on December 25 or between December 29 and January 2 to avoid the post-Christmas rush.
Conclusion
The question, “What is the best time to book flights for Christmas?”, doesn’t have to remain a mystery. With proper planning, early booking, and a bit of flexibility, you can enjoy a stress-free and affordable holiday season. The best time to book flights for Christmas is during the early fall months—ideally between September and October.
As a travel guide, I always recommend booking your Christmas travel as early as possible. The holidays should be about joy, family, and celebration—not overpriced flights and last-minute scrambling.
