Flying home for the holidays will cost more this year. Data from the booking app Hopper, reported by TravelAge West, show the 2026 holiday season is set to be the most expensive in 10 years. Higher jet fuel costs, tied to conflict abroad, are a big reason.

A round-trip domestic flight for Thanksgiving is averaging $402, up 31% from last year. Christmas flights within the U.S. average $452, up 23%. Trips to Mexico and Central America for Thanksgiving are up 32%.

When should you book? Kayak says domestic Thanksgiving fares have usually dropped from September highs and hit bottom about five weeks before the holiday. This year that is the week of Oct. 19. Waiting until the last two weeks can cost a lot more. Last year, Kayak said, fares rose as much as 16% the week before Thanksgiving. Google Flights data cited by TravelAge West point to about 34 days before departure as the sweet spot.

The day you fly matters too. Both Hopper and Kayak say Monday, Nov. 23, is the best-value day to leave. Nov. 20 is expected to be the priciest. Flying on Thanksgiving Day itself, Nov. 26, could save up to 19% on domestic trips compared with Nov. 20, Kayak said.

Coming home, avoid Sunday, Nov. 29, one of the most expensive travel days of the year. Returning Monday or Tuesday, Nov. 30 or Dec. 1, could save up to $250 round trip, Hopper said.

For Christmas, Dec. 21 and 22 look like the best domestic departure days. Kayak says the lowest-priced domestic airport is Punta Gorda, Florida, at about $307 round trip.

Kayak also suggests trying two one-way tickets, sometimes on different airlines, which it says can save up to 29% on some domestic routes.

What we know: Holiday fares are up sharply, and flying on off-peak days saves money.
What we don't: Whether jet fuel prices will ease before most people book.