If you are planning to fly home for the holidays, brace yourself. Travel analysts say holiday flights 2026 are set to be the most expensive in about a decade. According to Hopper’s 2026 Holiday Travel Index, as reported by FOX 7 Austin on September 30, airfares for both Thanksgiving and Christmas are climbing fast. Here is what the data shows and what you can do about it.
The numbers travelers are seeing
Hopper’s figures compare this year with last year. The average round-trip domestic flight over Thanksgiving is about $402, up 31%. For Christmas, the average is about $452, up 23%. The Sunday after Thanksgiving is the most expensive day to return, with fares spiking above $600.
Hotels are a mixed picture. Thanksgiving hotel rates are around $170 per night, roughly unchanged. Christmas rates are about $197 per night, up 18%.
Why prices are rising
The report points to high jet fuel costs, largely linked to the conflict in the Middle East, as a major reason. Airlines have also cut some less profitable flights and raised fares and baggage fees. With fewer seats and steady demand on the busiest days, prices go up.
That combination is hard on families, who often have little flexibility on dates. It also means that travelers who can shift their schedule by even a day may see a real difference.
Where people are going
Hopper reports that New York City, Miami and Orlando lead the list of domestic destinations for both holidays. Among international trips, Tokyo, London, Paris and Bangkok top the list. Some travelers are also looking at more affordable alternatives, including Florida, Hawaii and budget-friendly destinations in Central Europe, Africa and Oceania.
The report also found that a record 33% of adult travelers now use AI tools to research, compare and plan their trips, which shows how quickly travel planning habits are changing.
How to save money
Hopper’s advice is simple and practical:
- Book early. The report recommends booking flights and hotels before Halloween, which is this weekend.
- Fly on off-peak days. Thanksgiving Day, Black Friday and Cyber Monday tend to be cheaper than the peak days around them.
- Choose your Christmas date carefully. Leaving on the Monday or Tuesday before the holiday usually brings the lowest rates.
Beyond that, consider flying into a nearby airport, comparing the full cost including baggage fees, and setting a fare alert so you are notified if prices drop. If your plans are flexible, checking several dates side by side can reveal large differences.
It also helps to check the airline’s own site after using a comparison tool, since policies on changes and cancellations vary and can be worth more than a small price difference.
The bottom line
Holiday flights 2026 will cost more than most families are used to, and waiting is unlikely to help. If you have not booked yet, acting soon and staying flexible on dates are the two best tools you have. Check prices today, compare a few options and lock in the one that fits your budget.
Prices are Hopper averages reported by FOX 7 Austin and may change. Check current fares before you book.
