There’s nothing quite like taking a festive trip during the holiday season. The twinkling lights, cozy getaways, and time spent with loved ones make it one of the most memorable times of the year. But it’s also one of the busiest (and most expensive!) times to fly. Between Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, and New Year’s, airfare prices can soar as travelers rush to reunite and celebrate.
But that doesn’t mean you have to break the bank! As the Chief Information Officer at SlickTrip (a leading flight price drop website), I’ve seen firsthand which strategies really help travelers save during the peak holiday rush. Here are 9 proven tips to help you find the best deals and stretch your travel budget this holiday season.
Try to Book Your Flight on a Tuesday
Airfare prices change constantly, but Tuesday remains one of the most reliable days to find lower fares. Many airlines release new sales late Monday or early Tuesday, prompting competitors to match prices within hours. By Tuesday afternoon, you’ll often see more discounted seats available across multiple airlines. This window typically lasts until early Wednesday, so if you’re planning a holiday trip, check your preferred routes on Tuesday mornings and set fare alerts in advance to catch those short-lived deals before they disappear.
Be Flexible with Your Travel Dates
Holiday flights are all about timing, and a little flexibility can lead to huge savings. The busiest (and priciest) travel days are usually the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, the weekend before Christmas, and the days immediately after New Year’s. If you can travel on off-peak days (such as early in the week, on the actual holiday (like Christmas Day), or even a few days before or after the rush), you’ll often find dramatically cheaper fares. Use fare calendars on booking sites to visualize price fluctuations across different days and plan accordingly.
Set a Fare Alert on a Flight Comparison Website
Instead of constantly refreshing airline sites, streamline your search with a flight comparison platform like SlickTrip. These sites let you compare fares across multiple airlines, explore flexible date options, and most importantly, set price alerts for specific routes. Once your alert is active, you’ll get an email or app notification the moment your target flight price drops. This can be a lifesaver during the fast-changing holiday booking season.
Skip the Checked Bag (If You Can)
Holiday flights are notorious for long lines, full planes, and crowded baggage claims. If you can pack light and stick to a carry-on, you’ll save both time and money. Many budget fares exclude checked luggage, and avoiding that $35–$50 fee each way can really add up (especially for families). To make it work, plan versatile outfits, wear your bulkiest items (like sweaters or boots) on the plane, and consider doing laundry mid-trip if needed. Traveling light keeps you nimble and stress-free amid the holiday chaos.
Use an Incognito Window & Clear Browser Cookies When Searching
Ever notice flight prices rising after you check the same route several times? While it’s debated whether airlines use your browsing behavior to adjust fares, it doesn’t hurt to take precautions. Use your browser’s incognito or private mode when searching for flights, and clear your cookies between sessions. These small steps help ensure you’re seeing the most accurate fares, not inflated ones based on your previous searches.
Don’t Assume a Round-Trip Fare Is Always Cheaper
When it comes to holiday travel, round-trip convenience doesn’t always mean savings. Sometimes booking two separate one-way flights (even on different airlines) can cut your costs significantly. You might also consider “open-jaw” travel, flying into one city and out of another, which can make visiting multiple family stops or destinations more efficient. Always compare round-trip and one-way combinations before you book.
Fly Early in the Morning or Late at Night
Flights that depart before sunrise or after 9 p.m. are often cheaper because they’re less popular. If you’re willing to wake up early or fly overnight, you can save a bundle and avoid some of the notorious holiday delays. Morning flights are especially smart since they’re less likely to be delayed by the day’s airport backups. Plus, starting your journey early gives you a better shot at arriving on time for those holiday dinners and celebrations.
Follow Airlines on Social Media to Catch Flash Sales
Airlines and travel deal sites often announce flash sales and promo codes on their social media accounts, sometimes even before they update their websites. Following them on platforms like X (Twitter), Instagram, and Facebook can give you a head start on limited-time discounts, especially during Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and “Travel Tuesday” events in late November.
Stay alert, as these sales move fast. Being among the first to see them can make the difference between snagging a deal and missing out.
Fly Into a Major Hub If Possible
Large hub airports like Los Angeles (LAX), Chicago O’Hare (ORD), and Atlanta (ATL) see more competition and tend to offer better fares. Even if your final destination is smaller, consider flying into a major hub and continuing your trip via car rental, train, or a short connecting flight. You can also check nearby airports in big metro areas. For example, look into Oakland instead of San Francisco, or Newark instead of JFK for potentially lower fares and easier connections.
Have a Joyful, Budget-Friendly Holiday Trip!
The holidays are about connection, celebration, and making memories, not stressing over sky-high airfare. By planning ahead, staying flexible, and using smart booking tools, you can cut your travel costs while still enjoying every moment of the season. Whether you’re heading home to family, escaping for a winter getaway, or ringing in the new year somewhere special, these 9 tips will help you get there for less.
