Holiday Flight Prices Surge: Key Days to Book Revealed

URGENT UPDATE: Travelers preparing for the holidays are facing a significant spike in airfare costs this year. A new analysis from Upgraded Points, an Austin-based travel company, reveals that holiday flights are expected to be much more expensive than previous years, with average one-way fares seeing a staggering increase.

The analysis reviewed over 40,000 one-way flights across the 10 busiest U.S. domestic routes during two critical periods: one control week in early November and the 10-day windows surrounding Thanksgiving and Christmas. The findings are alarming for anyone planning to fly home for the holidays.

During the Thanksgiving travel window, average one-way fares jumped from approximately $178 in early November to nearly $276, marking a remarkable 55% increase. However, travelers can find some relief, as flights on Sunday, November 23, and Monday, November 24, remain slightly cheaper than the early-November baseline.

Yet, the surge in prices is most pronounced in the days following Thanksgiving. On Saturday, November 29, fares soared by 167% compared to earlier rates, and by Sunday, November 30, prices had increased by 115%.

For the Christmas travel window, average one-way fares are projected to reach around $282, which is 58% above the baseline. The situation is dire, with steep price hikes clustering around the days immediately following Christmas.

The analysis highlights fluctuations in airline prices, with Frontier Airlines experiencing the most significant increases during both holiday periods. Other budget carriers, including Spirit and JetBlue, also reported spikes in fares due to heightened demand. In contrast, Southwest Airlines managed a lower increase of just 28%, while major airlines like United, Delta, and Alaska Airlines are holding a stable surcharge at 40-60%.

With these price surges, travelers are urged to book flights sooner rather than later to avoid higher costs. The holiday season is shaping up to be a financially challenging time for many, and being proactive could save passengers significant amounts.

Stay tuned for the latest updates on travel trends and pricing as the holiday season approaches. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to save by planning your travel wisely.