What Is the Best Time to Book Flights for Christmas? Tips to Find the Best Christmas Flight Deals

The holiday season is a magical time filled with joy, celebrations, and travel. Whether you're planning to visit family, explore a festive destination, or take a winter vacation, Christmas travel requires careful planning—especially when it comes to airfare. If you’re wondering what is the best time to book flights for Christmas, you're not alone.

Airfare during the holidays can be notoriously expensive, but with smart timing and a few insider strategies, you can find great deals and avoid unnecessary costs. In this article, we’ll explore the best time to book Christmas flights, how far in advance you should plan, and tips to help you lock in affordable fares for the busiest travel season of the year.

Why Christmas Flights Are Expensive

Before we dive into the best times to book, it’s important to understand why Christmas flights tend to be pricier than usual:

1. High Demand: Millions of travelers fly in December, especially between December 20 and January 2.

2. Fixed Travel Dates: Most people are restricted to traveling around December 24–25 or New Year’s, leaving little room for flexibility.

3. Limited Seat Availability: With more passengers and fewer available seats, prices naturally increase.

4. Weather Disruptions: Winter storms and delays add more pressure to book early and secure guaranteed seats.

These factors make it essential to book smart and early when planning holiday travel.

What Is the Best Time to Book Flights for Christmas?

The best time to book Christmas flights is between mid-September and mid-October. Booking during this 8-10 week window before Christmas offers the best combination of seat availability and lower prices.

📅 Ideal Booking Window:

• Best time to book: 70 to 100 days before December 25

• Optimal months: September and October

• Why this time works: Airlines typically release promotional fares during this period. Competition is still low, and there are plenty of seats available across fare classes.

Booking too early (such as in spring or early summer) can sometimes result in higher fares, while waiting too long (especially into November or December) usually leads to inflated prices.

Flight Price Trends for Christmas

Flight fares for Christmas follow a predictable trend:

• June to August: Prices may be steady but not the lowest. Booking this early may be safe but not ideal unless there’s a fare sale.

• September to mid-October: Prices are competitive and offer the best value.

• Late October to mid-November: Prices begin to increase gradually.

• Late November to December: Prices surge dramatically, especially for peak travel days.

So, if you’re asking, what is the best time to book flights for Christmas to save money, the answer is don’t wait beyond October.

Best Days to Fly During the Christmas Holiday

In addition to booking early, choosing the right travel dates can significantly impact your airfare.

🟢 Cheapest Days to Fly:

• December 18–20: Early departures before the peak

• December 24 (Christmas Eve): Less crowded and more affordable

• December 25 (Christmas Day): Often cheaper since fewer people travel on the actual holiday

🔴 Most Expensive Days to Fly:

• December 21–23: Highest demand for departures

• December 26–28: Return travel surge

• January 1–2: End-of-holiday rush

How Far in Advance Should You Book International Christmas Flights?

For international flights, the timeline shifts slightly. If you’re traveling abroad for the holidays, the best time to book Christmas flights is 3 to 6 months in advance.

General Guidelines:

• Europe: Book by August–September for best fares

• Asia: Book by July–August for winter flights

• South America: Book 3–5 months ahead

• Australia/New Zealand: Book by June–July due to high seasonal demand

Tools to Help You Find the Best Christmas Flight Deals

To ensure you book at the right time, use these helpful tools:

✈️ Flight Comparison Sites:

• Google Flights: See price trends and explore flexible dates

• Skyscanner: Track holiday pricing with alerts

• Kayak: Compare multiple airlines and receive notifications

• Hopper: Predicts when prices will rise or fall

🛎️ Set Price Alerts:

Create price alerts on these platforms so you get notified the moment fares drop or start rising.

Tips for Booking Christmas Flights at the Best Price

If you want to score the best deals, follow these smart booking tips:

1. Book in September or October: Don’t wait until the holiday season starts.

2. Be Flexible with Dates: Flying a few days before or after peak dates can save you a lot.

3. Consider Alternate Airports: Nearby airports may have cheaper fares.

4. Fly on the Holiday: Traveling on Christmas Day can result in lower fares.

5. Use Airline Miles or Points: Redeem your frequent flyer miles before availability runs out.

6. Watch for Flash Sales: Subscribe to airline newsletters or deal alerts.

What If You Missed the Best Time to Book?

If it’s already November or December and you haven’t booked your flight yet, here’s how to save:

• Search for connecting flights: Indirect flights can be cheaper than nonstop ones.

• Check for late-night or early-morning departures: Less popular times may offer better prices.

• Use points or travel credits: They can help reduce cash costs.

• Be flexible with destination or route: Flying into a nearby city and driving to your destination may be cheaper.

• Book as soon as possible: Prices only rise the closer it gets to Christmas.

FAQs About Booking Christmas Flights

Q1: What is the cheapest day to book Christmas flights?

Answer: While Tuesday and Wednesday tend to be cheaper for bookings, the exact best day varies. Booking during the optimal window (September–October) matters more than the day of the week.

Q2: Should I wait for Black Friday flight deals for Christmas?

Answer: Not usually. By Black Friday, prices for Christmas travel are already high. Booking earlier is safer and more affordable.

Q3: Is Christmas Day a good day to fly?

Answer: Yes, it’s one of the cheapest days to fly since many travelers avoid flying on the holiday itself.

Q4: Can I find last-minute Christmas flight deals?

Answer: It’s rare. Christmas is a peak travel time, so last-minute deals are not common and often more expensive.

Conclusion

Booking Christmas flights doesn’t have to be stressful or expensive—if you plan wisely. The key takeaway is this: the best time to book flights for Christmas is between mid-September and mid-October. Acting within this window can help you find the lowest prices, secure your preferred flight times, and enjoy peace of mind during the holiday rush.

By combining early booking with flexible travel dates and smart tools like price alerts and comparison engines, you can beat the crowds and costs. So don’t wait—book your Christmas flight early and enjoy a joyful, budget-friendly holiday season!