Planning a holiday vacation but have sticker shock? Find out how to get cheap flights around Christmas time. Scroll down for all the info!
This post on how to get cheap flights around Christmas was written by family travel expert Marcie Cheung and contains affiliate links, which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, I may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog.
Listen, I get it. You look at flight prices around the holidays and think someone’s playing a cruel joke on you.
I’ve been doing this family travel blogger thing for years, and I’ve figured out how to crack the code on Christmas flights without emptying my bank account.
Want to know the secrets? Pull up a chair. I’m spilling everything.
The Golden Rule: Be Flexible (I Know, I Know)
Before you roll your eyes at me, hear me out. Being flexible doesn’t mean you have to celebrate Christmas in July. It just means being open to flying on different days or times.
The difference between flying on the Saturday before Christmas versus the Monday can literally save you hundreds of dollars per ticket. When you’re booking for a family of four, that’s the difference between splurging on activities or eating ramen for a month.
Think about your departure and return dates too. Sometimes leaving a day earlier or coming back a day later makes your wallet way happier.
Set Up Price Alerts and Watch the Magic Happen
You know what’s better than constantly refreshing flight search pages and driving yourself crazy? Letting your phone do the work for you.
Set up price alerts for flights or your favorite booking app. It takes like two minutes, and then you just wait for the notifications to roll in. I’ve watched prices drop $200 in a single day before. It’s like Christmas morning, but for your credit card.
The thrill of seeing that price drop notification? Pretty amazing.
Shop Around Like You’re Bargain Hunting at Target
Don’t just pick the first flight you see and call it a day. That’s like buying the first pair of jeans you try on, and you might find something way better if you keep looking.
Here are several great search engines for cheap Christmas flights, and also a look at ones you want to avoid.
Check multiple booking sites. Sometimes Expedia has a deal that other sites don’t. Sometimes it’s the other way around. It’s annoying, but it’s worth the extra ten minutes.
Think Outside the Airport Box
I know it’s convenient to fly out of your local airport. But sometimes driving an extra hour to a bigger hub can save you serious money. When we lived in Seattle, sometimes flying out of Portland or Vancouver made way more sense financially.
Just factor in parking costs, gas, or the Uber ride when you’re doing the math. If you’re still saving $400, it might be worth the extra effort.
Be Open to Different Destinations
Okay, this one’s for my adventurous families. If you’re not locked into visiting grandma’s house and you just want a holiday getaway, keep your destination flexible. Less popular spots usually have way cheaper flights.
Instead of everyone heading to Hawaii, maybe consider one of these warm places to visit in December. Or check out these fun Christmas getaways in the United States that won’t break the bank.
The Early Bird Actually Gets the Deal
The sweet spot for booking Christmas flights is actually summer. June through August gives you the best prices and the most flight options to choose from.
For domestic flights, aim to book about 6 to 8 weeks before you want to fly. For international trips, give yourself 2 to 3 months.
Waiting until the last minute might work out, but it also might mean you’re paying double or sitting in completely different rows from your kids. No thanks.
Or Roll the Dice and Book Last Minute
Now, I know I just told you to book early. But sometimes booking at the last minute can score you deals on seats airlines are desperate to fill.
The catch? You might not get seats together. Your flights might be sold out completely. It’s risky, especially if you’re traveling with kids. But if you’re flexible and feeling lucky, it could work in your favor.
I’d only do this if I had a backup plan and wasn’t completely set on a specific destination.
Fly at the Crack of Dawn (Your Kids Will Forgive You)
Listen, no one wants to wake up at 4 a.m. to catch a flight. But you know what’s worse? Paying an extra $300 per person because you wanted to sleep in.
Morning flights (especially that first flight of the day) are almost always cheaper. Plus, they’re 57% less likely to get cancelled than evening flights. That means less chance of your holiday plans imploding at the gate.
Pack some snacks, bring the iPads, and bribe your kids with airport breakfast. They’ll survive.
The Best Days to Fly (And the Worst)
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day are typically your cheapest options. Everyone wants to be at their destination already, so the airports are practically ghost towns.
If you can’t swing that, aim for the Monday through Wednesday about a week before Christmas. These days are usually less crowded and cheaper.
Want to know what days to avoid like the plague? The Saturday before Christmas and the Friday after. Those are peak chaos and peak prices.
New Year’s Eve flights can be surprisingly affordable if you’re flexible about coming home.
Bundle Your Flight and Hotel for Extra Savings
Planning to stay in a hotel? Book it at the same time as your flight on sites like Expedia. Most booking platforms give you a discount when you bundle everything together. We’re talking potentially hundreds of dollars saved on your whole trip.
It’s basically like getting a bulk discount at Costco, but for travel.
Skip the Airline Snacks (Your Wallet Will Thank You)
Look, I’m not saying you need to starve on the plane. But those $12 snack boxes are highway robbery. Pack your own granola bars, crackers, fruit, and sandwiches in your carry-on.
This is especially clutch when you’re traveling with kids who get hangry every 30 minutes. Trust me, having snacks on hand is worth its weight in gold.
Master the Art of Packing Light
The biggest money saver? Avoid checking bags if you can possibly help it. Most airlines charge $35 to $45 per bag now (yes, even Southwest changed their policy in 2025, which was rough for all of us).
If you can cram everything into a good carry-on suitcase from Amazon, you’ll save a ton. The Samsonite Freeform is a solid choice that won’t destroy your budget, or if you want something more affordable, the Amazon Basics hardside luggage works great for occasional travelers.
If you’re heading to grandma’s house or staying somewhere with a washer and dryer, pack even lighter. You can do laundry and rewear stuff. Grandma won’t mind (and she’ll probably insist on doing your laundry anyway).
Book Tours and Activities Ahead Too
While you’re in planning mode, don’t forget to book your activities early too. Sites like Viator and GetYourGuide often have better prices when you book in advance, plus you’ll actually get a spot during the busy holiday season.
If you want to capture those perfect family holiday photos, book a Flytographer session and save $20 with my link. Trust me, having professional photos of your family trip is worth it, and you won’t have to bribe strangers to take your picture.
Let Me Help You Plan Your Trip
If you’re heading somewhere specific for the holidays, I’ve got you covered. I’ve created free email courses that walk you through planning like a pro for tons of destinations.
Heading to Paris? I’ve got a whole planning course for you. Thinking about Disney World or Disneyland? Let me save you hours of research. Dreaming of Hawaii, Ireland, or Scotland? I’ve got detailed planning guides.
Check out all my travel planning courses. They’re free and will save you so much stress.
If you’re planning a longer European adventure, don’t miss my complete itineraries for Paris with kids (5 day) and Italy with kids (10 day).
The Bottom Line
Flying around Christmas doesn’t have to cost you an arm and a leg. It takes a little flexibility, some strategic planning (book in summer if you can!), and willingness to wake up early. But the payoff is real money saved that you can spend on making actual memories with your family.
Book those morning flights, pack light, set up your price alerts, and don’t be afraid to fly on Christmas Day if it works for your family. Your bank account will thank you, and you’ll still get to enjoy the holidays without the financial hangover in January.
Now go grab those cheap flights before everyone else figures out these secrets!
