Best Days to Fly During the New Year for Affordable Airfares
- Shreya Majumder
- 9 hours ago
- 3 min read
Written by: Shreya Majumder
Published: 02 January 2026
How to save money on flights during the festive season
The festive season is magical, but it is also one of the most expensive times of the year to travel. With millions of people heading home for Christmas, squeezing in winter holidays, or planning New Year getaways, flight demand soars and airfares rise accordingly. If you are planning to fly during the 2025 holiday season, a little strategic planning can make a big difference to your travel budget.
Industry forecasts suggest that holiday travel in the United States will reach record levels between 19 December and 5 January, with more than eight million passengers taking domestic flights. As a result, average round-trip fares are expected to be around 7% higher than last year, pushing close to the $900 mark. While that may sound discouraging, there are still smart ways to travel without overspending.
The Cheapest Days to Fly
Flexibility with your travel dates is key to saving money. Historically, and again in 2025, the most affordable days to fly fall on the holidays themselves, when fewer people are willing to be in transit.
New Year’s Eve, 31 December, tends to offer good deals, especially on earlier flights, since most people are focused on evening celebrations. New Year’s Day, 1 January, is similarly quieter, making it another strong choice for finding lower fares.
In general, flying midweek, Monday through Wednesday, can save you money, often up to 10–15% compared to weekend travel. You may also find better prices on flights with layovers rather than nonstop routes, which can reduce fares significantly if you are willing to trade time for savings.
The Most Expensive Days to Avoid
If your goal is to avoid high fares, the days just before and after Christmas are when prices tend to peak. After Christmas, demand spikes again as people head back home.
Even after New Year’s celebrations wind down, prices remain elevated through the first week of January. Sunday, 4 January, is predicted to be one of the costliest days to fly back, as many travellers wrap up their holiday breaks.
Booking early is still your best defence against high holiday fares. The closer you get to Christmas and New Year, the fewer deals you will find. Keeping an eye on fare trends using flight comparison tools can also help you catch price dips before they disappear.
It is also worth checking nearby airports if you are traveling to a major city, sometimes a short drive can save you a surprising amount of money. And if your schedule allows, shifting your departure or return by even one day can get you much better prices.
Plan Ahead for Affordable Holiday Travel
Holiday travel does not have to drain your budget. By understanding which days are the cheapest and which days are to avoid, you can plan your trips more strategically, enjoy smoother journeys, and keep more money for what really matters, celebrating with loved ones or making the most of your winter getaway.
Key Facts
Holiday airfares in 2025 are expected to be 7% higher than in 2024.
New Year’s Eve (31 December) and New Year’s Day (1 January) are the cheapest days to fly.
Sunday, 4 January is predicted to be one of the most expensive travel days.
Flying midweek can save up to 15% compared to weekends.
Booking early and using flight comparison tools is essential for finding deals.
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Author: Shreya Majumder Aviation staffing and consultancy insights LinkedIn
