If you’re flying home for the holidays, check your budget before you check prices. Those planning to fly this holiday season should be prepared to pay more than they did last year. NPR
How much more?
Airfares for Thanksgiving are up about 30% compared to last year, according to Hopper’s lead economist Hayley Berg, and tickets for Christmas are up more than 20%. Hopper’s 2026 Holiday Travel Index puts domestic round-trip Thanksgiving flights at $402, up 31%, and Christmas at $452, up 23%. Sources round the numbers differently, but they point the same direction. Federal inflation data show airfares up more than 22% from a year ago. With jet fuel prices near a record, holiday airfares soar higher – OPB +2
Why are fares so high?
The main reason is fuel. Berg said airfares are at a 10-year high because of the high cost of jet fuel, which airlines must pass on in higher fares. One firm recorded the highest single-day average jet fuel price it has ever tracked, more than twice what it was a year ago. The four largest U.S. airlines spent $6.3 billion more on fuel in the third quarter than in 2025. The airlines say they’re absorbing part of it. The head of Airlines For America said the airlines themselves are eating most of that cost. With jet fuel prices near a record, holiday airfares soar higher – OPB +3
Will travelers still fly?
Mostly yes. Berg said holiday travel is “sticky,” so travelers are unlikely to make major changes to their traditional trips. Delta’s CEO said customers have shown only a limited amount of resistance. Some travelers at one Baltimore airport said they were priced out for the holidays altogether. With jet fuel prices near a record, holiday airfares soar higher – OPB +2
Are people booking earlier?
Berg said she’d normally urge people in mid-October to book by month’s end, but many customers had already booked in September. Experts typically suggest booking by Halloween, but this year waiting could be riskier. opbclick2houston
Will it get better?
Don’t count on it. United’s CEO said he believes pricing is going to stay, and fares may rise even more next year. Ryanair’s CEO said fares in Europe could rise 10 to 20 percent next year. CNNNPR
Ways to save (general tips, not from the reports)
- Book soon. Waiting is riskier this year, per the experts above.
- Fly midweek. Tuesday and Wednesday flights are often the cheapest, though there may be fewer this year. click2houston
- Compare nearby airports and set price alerts.
- Consider driving for shorter trips.
Bottom line
Holiday flights are the most expensive in about a decade. If you haven’t booked, do it sooner rather than later.
