Average airfares for the 2026 holiday season have climbed by 23% compared to last year, driven largely by a sharp increase in global oil prices following the start of the war in Iran. Domestic flights for Thanksgiving are projected to be up approximately 31% from the previous year, while Christmas and New Year travel is expected to cost about 23% more than the 2025 holiday period.
Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian told CNBC that fares will remain high because the market can support them. He noted that consumer demand has not slowed down, stating, “We re not seeing any slowdown at all, our consumer is resilient.” Airlines are offering little hope for price drops in the coming weeks, with data showing that fares have remained consistently high since August.
Best Days to Fly for Thanksgiving and Christmas
Timing is critical for travelers trying to manage these elevated costs. Data from Points Path indicates that Monday, November 23, is the cheapest day to depart for Thanksgiving. Travelers who can leave early may save significantly compared to those flying on the Sunday after Thanksgiving, which is historically the busiest and most expensive day at U.S. airports.
Flights on Sunday, November 29, are running roughly 40% more expensive than those on Black Friday. Conversely, Thanksgiving Day itself tends to be the quietest day for air travel. For the end-of-year holidays, the weekends surrounding Christmas and Sunday, January 3, are projected to be the most expensive days to fly. Booking mid-week flights before and after Christmas offers the best chance for lower rates.
Strategies to Lower Ticket Costs
Travelers who have delayed booking should act immediately, as waiting risks further price jumps. Last year, both cash and award ticket prices surged in the final weeks before the holidays. Experts recommend booking as soon as possible but avoiding “basic” economy fares, which typically do not allow changes or cancellations. Most major carriers permit itinerary changes or cancellations on standard tickets, providing a safety net if prices drop later.
Regional price variations are also notable. The Midwest is experiencing the largest price jumps for Thanksgiving travel, while the Northeast is seeing the most significant increases for Christmas trips. Using search engines like Google Flights or Kayak to cast a wide net across different dates and airports can help identify the lowest available rates.
For those using loyalty points, dynamic pricing has caused award costs to spike across major U.S. programs. Travelers should consult current valuations to ensure they are not overpaying with miles. Creative strategies, such as using Alaska Airlines miles to book American Airlines flights or transferring credit card points to Air France-KLM Flying Blue for Delta tickets, can sometimes yield better value.
With flight cancellations hitting a four-year high in 2026, protecting against unexpected costs is essential. New federal regulations mean airlines may not cover expenses for mechanical delays or bad weather. Booking with a credit card that includes built-in travel protections can help reimburse travelers for stranded expenses. Additionally, travelers should check for expiring hotel and travel credits in their accounts to offset out-of-pocket costs.
Source: The Points Guy
