As much as we enjoy visiting loved ones over the holidays, getting home can be a nightmare.
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The holiday season sees plane tickets skyrocket in price, even for elite rewards members. On top of the hefty bill, airports are crowded, flights are often delayed or canceled, and there’s still plenty of uncertainty around how the US’s new Fly Rights program will actually pan out.
In other words, anyone brave enough to fly home for the holidays is in store for a few inevitable delays and headaches.
But that doesn’t mean passengers are thrown to the wolves. The more you know about savvy air travel, the better you’re able to plan your flight, helping you save money and have a better travel experience.
For now, let’s focus on how to nail your Christmas travel plans, from buying the right flights at the right time to choosing the right flight routes.
I’ve got advice from the FAA and the TSA. Here’s how to avoid busy airports during Christmas so you won’t dread that trip home.
When should travelers buy Christmas flights?
Short answer: Late October
According to Google Flights, the best time to purchase Christmas flights is from 36 to 72 days out. That makes late October the sweet spot to find great deals on Christmas flights—but you can also do so into November if you’re a bit late buying tickets this year.
Which dates should passengers avoid during Christmas travel?
Short answer: December 21-23, December 26-30
Most travelers have limited days off of work, meaning they want to get home a day or two before Christmas, and then head back home in the days immediately after the holiday.
For this reason, the FAA and TSA advise not traveling from December 21-December 23. Airports turn into madhouses on these days.
Additionally, avoid booking return flights for December 26-27. Airports will once again be very busy. The same is often true for the rest of the buffer days between Christmas and New Year’s Day, including December 28-30.
What dates are the least crowded over Christmas?
Short answer: Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day
The best days to fly for Christmas travel are on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. Most US airports are ghost towns on the actual day of major holidays.
That being said, you can also purchase flights for December 18-20. Flights during these days come slightly before the big Christmas rush, letting you avoid the busiest and most hectic travel days.
Keep in mind that December 20th usually kicks off the mad rush, so try to find early flights if you’re heading out on the 20th.
In terms of return flights, consider flying back home on New Years’ holiday dates, either December 31 or January 1.
Which airports should passengers avoid during Christmas travel?
According to the TSA, these are the busiest airports during Christmas season:
- Atlanta ATL
- New York City JFK
- Denver DEN
- Dallas-Forth Worth DFW
- Chicago ORD
- Los Angeles LAX
- Houston IAH
- Miami MIA
- San Francisco SFO
What if you can’t avoid busy airports and travel days this Christmas?
If you’re flying on a popular Christmas travel day at one of the busiest airports in the US, I highly suggest streamlining your travels with these hacks:
- Book a trip through security
- Download the airline’s app for the latest updates
- Have a few spare backup plans for delays, including reroutes or alternative forms of travel, such as Amtrak
- Give yourself plenty of time for layovers and connections