Holiday Flight Hacks: Book Thanksgiving & Christmas Cheap

Holiday travel doesn’t have to drain your wallet. Yes, prices are higher around Thanksgiving and Christmas, but with the right strategies, you can save hundreds on flights from Atlanta, Nashville, Birmingham, and Huntsville.

The Holiday Travel Reality

Why It Costs More

• Demand spikes: Everyone travels the same 3-4 days
• Limited supply: Airlines don’t add many flights
• Less flexibility: You need to be there for THE day

But There’s Hope

Price differences of 50%+ exist between:

• Days of the week
• Times of day
• Weeks within the season

Thanksgiving Strategies

The Cheapest Days

Day	Expense Level	Why
Tuesday before	Lowest	Most people wait
Wednesday before	Highest	Everyone leaves
Thanksgiving Day	Low-Moderate	Travel during dinner?
Friday	Moderate	Some extend trips
Saturday	Low	Returning early
Sunday after	Highest	Everyone returns

Golden Strategy

Leave: Tuesday or early Wednesday morning Return: Friday or the following Monday/Tuesday

Prices by Booking Window

• 3+ months out: Best prices, best selection
• 6-8 weeks out: Prices rising but still reasonable
• Last minute: Expensive, limited options

Alternative: Host Instead

Sometimes flying family TO you is cheaper than everyone going elsewhere.

Christmas/New Year Strategies

The December Calendar

• December 21-23: Peak departure prices
• December 24: Morning expensive, evening cheaper
• December 25: Often cheapest day to fly (Christmas Day)
• December 26-28: Moderate pricing
• December 29-31: New Year’s Eve push begins
• January 1: Cheaper (who wants to travel hungover?)
• January 2-3: Return rush, expensive

The Two-Week Window

If you have flexibility, consider:

• Flying December 20 instead of 23
• Returning January 3 instead of December 31
• Taking two weeks saves money AND gives more vacation

Christmas Day Flying

Surprisingly good option:

• Much cheaper than December 23
• Airports are calm
• Airlines often serve special meals
• You arrive for dinner, not departure chaos

General Holiday Savings Tips

1. Book Tuesdays and Wednesdays

Historically best days to find fare drops.

2. Set Alerts Early

Join Catch The Fare and set alerts months before holidays.

3. Check Alternate Airports

During holidays, price gaps between airports grow:

• BHM might beat ATL by $100+
• HSV could be cheaper than BNA
• Always compare all options

4. Consider Indirect Routes

A connection during holidays sometimes costs less than a direct flight.

5. Early Morning or Late Night

6 AM and 10 PM flights are almost always cheaper than midday.

6. Book One-Ways

Mix airlines for better prices:

• Delta outbound (good time)
• Southwest return (better price)

7. Use Points Strategically

Holidays are when cash prices spike most—great time to use miles instead.

Price Comparison Example

Atlanta to Denver, Thanksgiving Week

Scenario	Price
Wed AM → Sun PM	$450
Tue AM → Mon PM	$280
Tue AM → Sat AM	$220

Same trip, $230 difference just from shifting days.

The Early Booking Advantage

For Thanksgiving

• Book by: August-September
• Sweet spot: 8-10 weeks before
• Last decent deals: Early October

For Christmas

• Book by: September-October
• Sweet spot: 10-12 weeks before
• Last decent deals: Early November

Why Early Matters More for Holidays

• Fewer cheap seats available
• They sell out faster
• Airlines rarely discount close-in

Flight Alternatives

1. Drive Instead

For trips under 6-8 hours, driving might be:

• Cheaper
• Less stressful
• More flexible

2. Train (Amtrak)

The Crescent runs through ATL, BHM, and more. Consider:

• Sleeper car for long trips
• Coach for regional hops
• Book early for best prices

3. Skip the Holiday

Celebrate a week early or late. Prices drop dramatically.

Holiday Airport Survival

TSA PreCheck/Clear

Worth it for holiday travel:

• PreCheck: $78 for 5 years
• Clear: $189/year but often discounted

Arrive Early

Add 30-60 minutes to normal arrival time during holidays.

Lounge Access

Consider a day pass ($50-75) for long layovers.

Backup Plan

Know your rebooking options before you need them.

Your Holiday Booking Checklist

3-4 months before:

• Set price alerts for target dates
• Identify backup dates
• Check points/miles balance

2-3 months before:

• Book when prices look good
• Don’t wait for “perfect” price
• Consider trip insurance

1 month before:

• Lock in any remaining bookings
• Set up online check-in reminders
• Arrange airport transportation

Week before:

• Check in immediately when available
• Download airline app
• Confirm all reservations

The Bottom Line

Holiday travel costs more—that’s reality. But smart travelers can save 30-50% by:

1. Booking early
2. Flying on less popular days
3. Being flexible with times
4. Using our deal alerts to catch price drops

The holidays are about being with family, not about paying full price for flights. Start planning now, and you’ll have more money for gifts.