How to save money on holiday travel—and the dates KAYAK says to book flights

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A woman looks at her smartphone on steps outside a building, surrounded by pumpkins, autumn plants and her suitcase. (martin-dm via Getty Images)Thanksgiving is just weeks away, and Christmas is shortly after that. If you plan to fly for Thanksgiving, KAYAK says the week of Oct. 19 has historically offered some of the lowest fares. That means the time to start watching prices is now.

KAYAK published its 2026 Holiday Travel Check-In on Sept. 29. The report says holiday airfare is higher this year (some outlets claim by 23%), but general price patterns are looking similar to those in 2025.

Reviewing last year's data can help travelers decide when to book, which days to fly and when two one-way tickets might cost less than a round-trip fare.

Here's what to know before booking your holiday flights.

A passenger with a roller suitcase and backpack walks towards the departure gate at a busy airport, with Christmas decorations along the corridor.

If you're flying for Thanksgiving, start checking fares this week. KAYAK's historical data shows that domestic airfare typically drops in price from September highs and reaches its lowest point about five weeks before the holiday. This year, that window falls during the week of Oct. 19.

Waiting until the last minute could cost you: Last year, domestic fares climbed by as much as 16% during the week before Thanksgiving and 21% during Thanksgiving week, according to KAYAK.

If you're a last-minute traveler, just remember prices can rise sharply in the final two weeks before departure.

Planning to fly for Christmas? KAYAK's historical data shows fares have tended to dip four to seven weeks before departure.

For a Dec. 21 flight, that window runs from Nov. 2 through Nov. 23.

KAYAK also publishes this week-by-week chart comparing Christmas and New Year's fares with last year's prices. Checking it as your trip approaches can help you track fare trends before you buy.

Finally, keep in mind your departure date. Sometimes a flight to the same exact location can cost dramatically less if you're willing to go on a less popular day.

Nov. 20 is expected to be the most expensive day to depart, says KAYAK.

If you're flying domestically, Nov. 23 is projected to offer better value, with an average fare of $420, or 18% less than on Nov. 20.

For international travel, Nov. 25 is projected to be the best-value departure date, with an average fare of $639, or 37% less than on Nov. 20.

All that said, however, nothing beats flying on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 26. That's the day for the real airport warriors who are willing to skip the crowds. KAYAK expects prices to be as much as 19% lower for domestic flights and 49% lower for international flights than on Nov. 20.

If you're flying domestically, consider departing Dec. 21 or 22. KAYAK projects average fares of $469 and $466, respectively, which both fall 18% below the fare on Saturday, Dec. 19.

International travelers might find better value by departing Dec. 23 or 24, says the data. Average fares are projected at $1,063 and $1,024, respectively. That's 31% to 34% below the fare on Dec. 18.

For domestic travel after Christmas, flying on Jan. 2 could save you up to 45% compared with departing Dec. 27, the most expensive date in KAYAK's comparison.

For international travel, departing Dec. 31 could save you up to 40% compared with Dec. 26.

Boats float around the harbor in St. Maarten's Simpson Bay.

KAYAK leaves us with one last idea for saving money during holiday travels. They suggest that buying a round-trip ticket isn't always the cheapest option. According to KAYAK Hacker Fares, buying two one-way tickets—sometimes on two different airlines—can actually save travelers up to 29% on domestic airfare and up to 30% on international airfare compared with a round-trip ticket.

Some destinations show particularly large potential savings when you go the one-way ticket route.

For international travel, the destinations with the most drastic price differences include:

For domestic flights, Washington, D.C. leads at 29%, followed by Chicago at 28% and San Diego at 22%.

Obviously, the historical savings KAYAK's data depicts doesn't guarantee any savings for your individual ticket, and prices vary by route. These are just general trends based on historical data.

Before you book, compare the cost of two one-way tickets with the round-trip fare. If the one-way option involves different airlines, make sure you check all the baggage fees, change policies and other booking conditions, too, so that the total price reflects a true comparison.

Read more about KAYAK's methodology in the full 2026 Holiday Check-In Report.

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