December is one of the busiest months for flying or traveling as people plan Christmas holiday getaways, reunite with family, or embark on year-end adventures. With demand soaring, flight prices can skyrocket, making strategic booking essential to secure the best deals.
Knowing the cheapest time to book your December flights can save you significant money and reduce the stress of last-minute planning. This guide will explore the optimal days, weeks, and strategies to help you find affordable tickets and maximize your travel budget.
What is the Cheapest Day to Fly in December?
The cheapest day to fly in December is often Christmas Day, December 25, as fewer people choose to travel on the holiday itself. Airlines tend to lower prices to fill seats, making it an excellent opportunity for budget-conscious travelers.
Flights on this day can cost significantly less than peak travel dates like December 24, which is famous for pre-holiday arrivals. Additionally, airports tend to be less crowded on Christmas Day, offering a smoother travel experience. Whether you’re returning home or starting a vacation, flying on December 25 can provide financial and logistical advantages.
Additional Affordable Days in December
In addition to Christmas Day, other cost-effective dates for flying in December include the days following Christmas, such as New Year’s Eve (December 31) and New Year’s Day (January 1).
These dates often see reduced airfare compared to peak travel days like December 21, 22, 23 & 24, which are heavily favored for pre-holiday travel. Choosing these less popular dates can help you save significantly on tickets while avoiding the crowds typically seen during the busiest travel days.
Price Comparison in December
Flying on Christmas Day can lead to significant savings for budget-conscious travelers, with ticket prices often being hundreds of dollars cheaper than peak travel dates. However, due to increased demand, airfare on December 23—one of the busiest days as people head home for the holidays—tends to be substantially higher.
By contrast, Christmas Day typically sees fewer travelers, prompting airlines to offer lower fares. This price disparity makes December 25 ideal for those looking to stretch their travel budget without sacrificing convenience. Planning your trip around these dates can result in remarkable cost savings.
Booking Windows for December
Booking your December flights by the end of October is highly recommended to maximize savings. Airfare tends to climb sharply as the holiday season approaches, potentially increasing by nearly 30% during November and early December. This surge reflects the heightened demand for travel closer to Christmas.
Booking early not only ensures access to better prices but also provides more options for flight times and routes. For cost-conscious travelers, planning and securing tickets during this optimal booking window is a smart strategy to avoid the financial strain of last-minute fare hikes.
Busiest Travel Days in December
The busiest travel days in December 2024 align with holiday preparations and celebrations, particularly around Christmas and New Year’s. December 23 is anticipated to be the busiest day overall as many travelers finalize their journeys to join loved ones.
Other peak days include December 22, when early holiday travelers set out, and December 26, as people return home or head out for post-Christmas vacations. Airports are expected to be highly congested during these dates, so it’s crucial to plan, arrive early, and consider alternative travel dates to avoid long lines and potential delays.
Budget Airlines Offering December Deals
Budget airlines provide attractive deals in December by maintaining lower operational costs and leveraging promotional fares to entice passengers. These airlines cater to holiday travelers looking for affordable options without sacrificing too much comfort:
- Southwest Airlines stands out for its generous policies, such as two free checked bags and no change fees, which can save travelers significantly during the holiday season. Known for its flexible booking options, Southwest frequently runs sales and promotions during December, offering discounted fares that can make travel more affordable for families and vacationers. With its customer-friendly services and seasonal deals, Southwest remains famous for those flying during the holidays.
- Avelo Airlines has emerged as a strong contender in the budget airline market. It focuses on serving smaller regional airports, often leading to lower operating costs and, consequently, more affordable ticket prices. Avelo is an excellent option for budget-conscious travelers who are flexible with their schedules and open to flying to less conventional destinations. Their competitive pricing and focus on regional routes can make December travel more accessible for those seeking to save on airfare.
- JetBlue started as a low-cost carrier but has evolved to offer a blend of affordability and added amenities typically seen with full-service airlines. In addition to providing affordable fares, JetBlue offers complimentary in-flight snacks, Wi-Fi, and more comfortable seating, making it an excellent choice for holiday travel. JetBlue often discounts in December, allowing travelers to enjoy a comfortable flying experience without breaking the bank.
- Breeze Airways, a relatively new player in the market, has quickly gained attention with its competitive pricing and focus on underserved routes. Breeze offers affordable flights by targeting secondary airports for those open to exploring less popular destinations. Its simple and flexible fare structure allows for budget-friendly holiday travel without sacrificing comfort. For those willing to take alternative routes, Breeze presents an excellent option for saving on December flights.
These budget airlines offer a range of affordable options for December travel, helping passengers save money while enjoying a comfortable journey. Whether you’re flying to a major city or a smaller regional destination, these carriers offer flexibility, savings, and convenience.
Additional Tips to Find the Cheapest Time to Fly in December
- Be Flexible with Travel Dates: Use fare comparison tools like Kayak and Google Flights to explore a range of dates. Midweek flights (Tuesdays and Wednesdays) and off-peak times (early morning or late night) often have lower fares.
- Set Fare Alerts: Sign up for alerts from travel websites or apps to track price drops for your desired destinations.
- Fly to Alternative Airports: Check smaller or nearby airports for cheaper flights and less congestion.
- Book One-Way Tickets: Sometimes booking two separate one-way tickets can be cheaper than a round trip.
- Use Frequent Flyer Miles or Points: Redeem travel rewards for holiday flights, which can offset high seasonal prices.
- Consider Connecting Flights: Direct flights are convenient but often more expensive. Connecting flights can help you save money.
- Monitor Deals: Watch for flash sales or special promotions during October and November, especially for early bookings.
- Travel Light: Pack carry-on luggage to avoid baggage fees, especially if budget airlines are part of your plan.
By combining these strategies, you can increase your chances of securing the cheapest flights in December.
Share this BlogFrequently Asked Questions
The cheapest days to fly in December are typically Christmas Day (December 25) and midweek days like Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Post-Christmas days, such as December 31 (New Year’s Eve) and January 1 (New Year’s Day), also tend to have lower airfares.
Christmas Day itself (December 25) is the best day to fly if you’re looking to save money. Travelers can often find significant discounts compared to the busy days leading up to the holiday, such as December 22 and 23.
No, Christmas flights rarely get cheaper last minute. Prices usually increase significantly as the holiday approaches due to high demand. Booking early, ideally by the end of October or early November, is the best way to secure affordable fares.
