Thanksgiving airfare usually bottoms out in late October, KAYAK says
Domestic Thanksgiving fares have historically hit their low about five weeks before the holiday, so travelers should book before the end of October, KAYAK says. A September survey found 65% of holiday travelers had booked nothing yet. Flying on Thanksgiving Day itself can save up to 19% on domestic trips.
If you plan to fly for Thanksgiving, the cheapest window may be closing soon. KAYAK says domestic airfare has historically hit a low about five weeks before the holiday, then climbed sharply in the last two weeks. Its advice: book before the end of October.
Timing your trip can help too. Flying on Thanksgiving Day can save up to 19% on domestic trips and 49% on international ones, compared with leaving on Nov. 20, the priciest day, KAYAK said. For Christmas, fares have tended to dip four to seven weeks out, or about mid-November to early December.
Prices are higher this year. "Airfare has largely followed the seasonal patterns we saw in 2025, just at a higher price point," KAYAK CEO Peer Bueller said. "That makes history a useful guide, not a guarantee."
The Points Guy says average domestic fares it tracks with Points Path have reached $647 for Thanksgiving and $675 for Christmas, and have climbed for weeks. It blames high fuel costs.
Many people have not booked. In a survey The Points Guy ran with YouGov from Sept. 18 to 22, 65% of planned holiday travelers had booked nothing. Only 15% had booked their whole trip. Of those waiting, 42% said they hoped prices would drop.
Cost tops the list. Among those flying, 48% said price was their most important factor, almost twice the 25% who chose convenience. Still, 63% said paying more for convenience is worth it during the holidays.
A few money-saving moves from KAYAK: set a price alert, and price out two one-way tickets, which can cut fares by up to 29% on some domestic routes.
What we know: Fares have tended to bottom out about five weeks before Thanksgiving.
What we don't: Whether high fuel costs will break that pattern this year.
Where outlets agree KAYAK and The Points Guy both say holiday airfare is running higher this year and urge travelers to book soon.
Where they differ KAYAK says waiting a few weeks could still pay off, while The Points Guy warns prices have climbed steadily and tells travelers to lock in now.