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Best Days to Fly During the 2025 Holiday Season

As the 2025 holiday season approaches, many travelers are eager to finalize their plans. Recent analysis by Upgraded Points sheds light on the most economical days to fly during this busy period, helping individuals make informed decisions about their travel arrangements.

Upgraded Points meticulously examined data from over 40,000 flights across the 10 busiest domestic routes in the United States, providing a comparison of typical November fares against the crucial days surrounding Thanksgiving and Christmas. The findings reveal that planning ahead can save travelers substantial amounts.

Understanding the Price Surge

Historically, the days leading up to major holidays see a spike in flight prices. Upgraded Points' analysis confirms this trend, highlighting that fares can be significantly higher compared to earlier in November. In fact, during the 10-day Thanksgiving window, the average one-way fare jumped from $178 in early November to $276 during Thanksgiving week—an alarming 55% increase—a reality that all holiday travelers need to keep in mind.

The Most Expensive Days to Fly

The days just before and after Thanksgiving have notable price hikes. For example:

• - November 22 saw a 40.6% increase (+$62), while November 30 overshadowed them all with a staggering 114.9% increase (+$279).
• - Not surprisingly, airlines such as Frontier Airlines and JetBlue Airways are notorious for their 163% and 99.6% increases, respectively, during this peak travel time. In contrast, choosing to fly on days like November 23—which actually recorded a slight decrease—could be beneficial.

Christmas Flight Price Trends

The Christmas period displays a different pattern from Thanksgiving when it comes to price variances. Prices remain consistently high, with fewer fluctuations. Some highlights include:

• - December 20 saw an 86.3% increase (+$131).
• - Notably, Frontier Airlines emerges again as a frontrunner in price hikes with a notable 199.4% increase.

This analysis clarifies that while holiday travel can be costly, there are strategic choices travelers can make to mitigate expenses.

Booking Strategies for Cost-Saving

Travelers are encouraged to be flexible with their flight dates. Keri Stooksbury, the editor-in-chief at Upgraded Points, emphasizes, "If you want to save money, it's all about the timing. The data is clear that there are predictable windows to avoid the worst surges." Choosing to book flights well in advance or adjusting travel dates can result in meaningful savings.

Additionally, avoiding peak days like the Friday after Thanksgiving or the days right before Christmas can lead to staying within budget. For example, choosing to embark on journeys during midweek can also help reduce costs.

Conclusion

In conclusion, insightful research from Upgraded Points offers travelers a comprehensive outline of what to expect during the 2025 holiday season. With a bit of flexibility and early planning, it’s possible to navigate the chaotic skies of holiday travel without breaking the bank.

To delve deeper into these findings and view the full report, head over to Upgraded Points’ official website.