Holiday flights are unusually expensive this year, with Thanksgiving and Christmas fares at their highest levels in a decade. Still, travelers may have a few ways to limit the cost, according to an aviation expert.
Hopper’s 2026 Holiday Travel Index found steep increases compared with last year. The company analyzed a week of flight searches in September, focusing on lower-priced fares and adjusting its Thanksgiving comparison to account for the holiday falling on a different date.
Domestic round-trip flights for Thanksgiving are averaging $402, up $95, or 31%, from last year. Christmas fares average $452, a 23% increase, or $85 more. International fares are up too: flights to Mexico and Central America for Christmas have risen 23%, while fares to Europe are 15% higher. Hopper also reported increases for popular international destinations over Thanksgiving.
The company points to persistently high jet fuel costs, which it linked to the conflict in Iran. It said holiday travel is on course to be the most expensive in ten years.
Gary Leff, a Texas-based aviation expert, said fare increases can add up quickly for families booking several seats. A $95 increase may not sound enormous for one traveler, he noted, but it becomes a much bigger expense when multiplied across four or more passengers.
Leff recommends keeping an eye on fares even after booking. If the price drops, travelers may be able to change their ticket and receive the difference as a credit. That generally applies to tickets other than basic economy, since many fares no longer carry change fees.
Other common ways to save may not be as straightforward. A farther-away airport can mean extra driving, parking or rideshare costs, Leff said. And choosing a connecting flight instead of a nonstop can create more chances for delays or other problems, especially during the busy holiday period.
He also suggested considering frequent-flyer miles. Travelers who already have miles can use them toward a trip, while those without them might consider building a balance for future travel.
