Travelers planning Thanksgiving and Christmas trips in 2026 may need to budget more for domestic flights, according to a new holiday travel outlook from flight deals company Going. The company’s latest data shows domestic airfares rising compared with last year, although flexible travel dates and select international destinations could offer opportunities to save.
Released October 7, the report found that average round-trip domestic economy fares were up 15% for Thanksgiving and 16% for Christmas year over year. International fares, by comparison, remained relatively stable across both holiday periods, according to Going.
For travelers preparing for the busiest travel weeks of the year, the findings highlight the importance of comparing dates, monitoring fares, and considering alternatives to traditional holiday departure days.
Domestic Holiday Flights Cost More in 2026
Going’s analysis found that domestic airfare increases vary by region, with some parts of the country seeing significantly larger jumps than others.
The Midwest recorded the largest Thanksgiving increase, with domestic fares up 28% compared with the previous year. For Christmas, the Northeast experienced the steepest rise at 34%.
Travelers flying from the West saw smaller increases, with Thanksgiving fares up 11% and Christmas fares up 14%.
Going attributed rising airfares to several factors, including higher fuel and labor costs, strong summer travel demand that outpaced available seats, and the loss of a major low-cost airline.
Although these figures reflect averages rather than the price of every individual flight, they suggest travelers booking domestic holiday trips may benefit from comparing multiple departure dates and routes before purchasing tickets.
The Cheapest Days to Fly for Thanksgiving and Christmas
Travel dates can significantly influence airfare, and Going identified several days that may offer better value for holiday travelers.
According to the report, Monday, November 23, is among the least expensive days to depart for Thanksgiving, while Christmas Eve, Thursday, December 24, is one of the cheaper departure dates for Christmas travel.
The weekends immediately before and after each holiday tend to be more expensive for departures and returns.
Travelers with flexible schedules may be able to reduce their airfare costs by leaving earlier in the week, returning outside peak travel periods, or extending a trip by a day or two. However, actual prices depend on the route, availability, and booking date, so travelers should compare specific itineraries before making plans.
International Travel Could Offer Thanksgiving Savings
While domestic fares are increasing, Going identified international travel during Thanksgiving week as a potential opportunity for travelers willing to look beyond the usual holiday destinations.
The company reported that international fares had remained relatively flat year over year for both Thanksgiving and Christmas. Its October 5 snapshot of Thanksgiving round-trip deals included the following examples:
- Berlin, Germany: $595 from Chicago
- London, England: $617 from Los Angeles
- Casablanca, Morocco: $649 from New York City
- Seoul, South Korea: $664 from San Francisco
- Auckland, New Zealand: $763 from Los Angeles
These were specific deals identified by Going at the time of its research, not guaranteed fares available today. The company noted that individual offers often last only one or two days, and prices vary based on departure airport, dates, and availability.
For Central Florida residents, the takeaway is to compare international routes departing from Orlando International Airport with options from other airports only when the potential savings justify the additional transportation and parking costs.
Tips for Saving on Holiday Flights
Even with higher average fares, travelers can take several steps to manage their holiday travel budgets.
Set Flight Price Alerts
Rather than checking fares manually every day, travelers can use price alerts to monitor changes on their preferred routes. Booking when a suitable fare appears may help avoid paying more as departure dates approach.
Going also recommends monitoring prices after booking. Its Price Drop feature alerts users to eligible fare reductions and provides guidance on recovering savings, although options depend on the ticket’s terms and applicable airline policies.
Consider Using Travel Rewards
Frequent-flyer miles and credit card points may provide another way to manage higher cash fares. Going reported that award pricing had not increased at the same rate as cash fares during its analysis.
Travelers should compare the number of points required with the cash price, accounting for taxes, fees, and any restrictions before deciding which option offers better value.
Choose Earlier Flights When Possible
Morning departures may offer an advantage for travelers concerned about delays. The U.S. Department of Transportation cited data indicating that morning flights have an on-time departure rate more than 40 percentage points higher than evening flights.
An early departure does not eliminate the risk of disruption, but it may provide more options if a flight is delayed or canceled. Travelers connecting through another airport should also consider whether their layover provides enough time to reach the next flight.
Understand Your Rights if a Flight Is Disrupted
Travelers should familiarize themselves with airline policies and federal refund requirements before leaving home.
Under U.S. Department of Transportation rules, passengers are generally entitled to a refund if an airline cancels a flight or makes a significant change and the passenger chooses not to travel or accept an alternative. For delays, the refund thresholds are generally three hours or more for domestic itineraries and six hours or more for international itineraries, subject to the applicable rules.
A refund is different from compensation for inconvenience, and passengers should check the Department of Transportation’s official guidance for details about their circumstances.
Plan Ahead for the 2026 Holiday Travel Season
Going’s holiday outlook suggests that domestic airfare could take a larger share of travelers’ budgets this year, particularly for those flying during peak departure and return periods.
For travelers willing to adjust their schedules, compare routes or explore destinations abroad, opportunities to find a better fare may still exist. Monitoring prices, checking the full cost of an itinerary and understanding ticket restrictions can help travelers make more informed decisions before the holiday rush.
The company recommends booking sooner rather than later when travel plans are firm, while continuing to monitor prices and available alternatives.
For Central Florida travelers preparing for Thanksgiving or Christmas trips, the most useful first step is to compare fares for several possible departure and return dates rather than assuming the most convenient itinerary will also be the least expensive.
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