If you’ve traveled by air at all recently, you are likely well-acquainted with the current state of affairs.
Flying in 2026 is significantly more expensive than it was just a year ago. Since the conflict in Iran triggered a spike in global oil prices, airfares have climbed. Domestic Thanksgiving flights are up approximately 31% compared to last year, according to recent data from the booking app Hopper. “The fares will be a function of what the market bears,” Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian said in an interview Friday. “We’re not seeing any slowdown at all; our consumer is resilient.”
Some good (or at least lukewarm) news
Since the summer, TPG has warned that holiday travelers would likely pay a premium to fly for Thanksgiving and Christmas in 2026.
And fares are indeed up sharply from last year.
The one bit of good — or at least lukewarm — news? We haven’t yet seen a major autumn surge in ticket prices. Costs have remained high, but fairly consistent, since August, when we began closely tracking holiday fares with the help of our partners at Points Path.
But you shouldn’t wait any longer to book: At this stage, every day you delay risks a significant jump in prices.
Last year, both cash and award prices surged in the final weeks leading up to the holidays.
So what should you do if you’ve waited until now to book your holiday getaway? Let’s walk through your best options.
When to book holiday flights in 2026
We suggest booking as soon as possible, while leaving yourself some wiggle room in case you get lucky and the fare drops later.
What to do if the price drops after you book
Most major carriers will allow you to change your ticket after booking. Alternatively, you can cancel your reservation and rebook yourself.
To maintain this flexibility, be sure to avoid “basic” fares that restrict you from making itinerary changes or canceling your flight without a penalty.
Sound complicated? There are also new AI tools that can help you automatically capture savings if the fare plummets days or weeks after you purchase your ticket.
When to fly at Thanksgiving
Monday, Nov. 23, is the cheapest day to depart for Thanksgiving travel, according to data from our friends at Points Path.
So if your schedule allows, getting an early start on your trip is the best way to save on airfare.
For your return, aim to fly back on Black Friday, or wait until the following Tuesday.
The worst day
The Sunday after Thanksgiving will likely be the most expensive and crowded day at airports. Flights on Sunday, Nov. 29, are running roughly 40% pricier than Black Friday, per Points Path.
Fun fact: The busiest day ever at U.S. airports was the Sunday after Thanksgiving in 2025.
On the flipside, Thanksgiving Day was the single quietest day airports saw last year.
When to fly at Christmas and New Year’s
The weekends before and after Christmas, along with Sunday, Jan. 3, are looking like the most expensive days to fly for the year-end holidays, per Points Path.
To find the lowest prices, I’d suggest searching for fares on the weekdays immediately before and after Christmas.
Which US regions are hit the hardest?
Compared to last year, the Midwest is seeing the largest price hikes for Thanksgiving travel, according to the flight deals app Going. For Christmas, travelers heading to and from the Northeast are dealing with the most sticker shock.
TPG tips: Cast a wide net when you search flights
Use sites like Google Flights or Kayak to compare flight prices across a broad range of airlines, dates, and airports.
Casting the widest net positions you to find the <a easier said than done."
But if you can be flexible on when — and even where — you travel, your chances of finding <a d avoid focusing on a single destinations.
Find the destination that fits your budget.
Go there.
Book with a credit card that has travel insurance (especially in 2026)
Airlines typically won’t pay for your hotel, taxi, or meals if you get stranded due to bad weather.
And they may not be responsible when mechanical delays occur, either, due to new federal regulations taking effect this month.
Your best bet to protect your wallet is to book your trip with a credit card that includes built-in travel protections. If you get stuck, you may be able to file a claim and get hundreds of dollars in expenses reimbursed.
This is an especially important reminder as flight cancellations hit a four-year high in 2026.
Milk those expiring credits, freebies and perks before the end of the year
Those family holiday <a s award currency on United Airlines.
There are plenty of options available if you’re willing to get creative.
And getting creative is likely the best way to fly without breaking the bank in 2026.
