The Best Days to Fly for the Holidays

By Robert Firpo-Cappiello
October 22, 2015
Led lights at the national christmas tree
Courtesy mswag2nh/myBudgetTravel

With domestic airfares down around 9 percent, two-thirds of Americans plan to fly for the holidays. Here's how to beat the crowds and save some bucks:

Thanksgiving: Orbitz reports that Wednesday Nov 25 is the busiest day to fly. To avoid those looooong airport lines (and possibly save on airfares), fly on the 24th or on Thanksgiving Day (visitors to BudgetTravel.com tell us they love the peace of flying on holidays). Head home on Monday Nov 30, the quietest travel day.

Christmas: Avoid Dec 23, the busiest day. Fly on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day for fewer crowds. The 27th will be the quietest day at the airport.

When to buy: Expedia confirms the longstanding rumor that Tuesday is the best day to get a deal on airline tickets. (Because airlines often release new fares early in the week.) 57 days before your trip is the ideal window for a domestic flight. (Yes, that means book your Christmas flight next Tuesday!)

And remember... To get the inside scoop on airfare deals, follow all the major US carriers on Twitter and sign up for their e-newsletters.

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