These Are the Cheapest Days to Fly for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Eve 2023

Time to book now...

Black Friday isn’t just a bargain shopping day, it’s also the cheapest day to fly around Thanksgiving.

Flights for Thanksgiving are expected to be about 12 percent more expensive than last year — and Christmas and New Year’s are no better — but there are some days that are less pricey to travel on than others, according to a new study from CheapAir.com. In fact, travelers who fly on the Friday after Turkey Day can save almost $100. Monday, Nov. 20, is the best-priced day ahead of the holiday.

For Christmas, deals are sparse with the least-expensive day to fly far ahead of the holiday on Dec. 18. Travelers who fly on Christmas Eve, however, can save nearly $120 compared to flying on Dec. 22, which is one of the most expensive days to fly for the holiday.

<p>Riska/Getty Images</p>

Riska/Getty Images

Travelers hoping to toast the New Year with a vacation are in luck: because the holiday falls on a Monday this year, CheapAir.com predicted return flights are relatively the same price whether passengers fly on Monday or Tuesday.

Beyond avoiding peak travel days, the group recommended travelers consider mixing and matching airlines with two one-way flights to find a better price and paying attention to possible hidden fees like extra charges for baggage. The group said waiting to book isn’t typically a good idea since airfare tends to rise 21, 14, 7, and 3 days before departure.

This holiday season, travelers looking for an international getaway are opting for warm destinations in Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean, according to a holiday trends report viewed by Travel + Leisure. But not everyone is jetting off — nearly 60 percent of U.S. travelers plan to take a trip within their own state.

With crowded airports comes added stress so travelers should consider opting for direct flights to minimize the impact of any possible disruptions and splurging for lounge access to make the airport experience a bit easier.

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