Best Time to Buy Christmas Flights 2025 | Save on Holiday Airfare

Christmas is a time for family gatherings, festive celebrations, and long-awaited holidays. But if there is one part of the season that can quickly turn stressful, it is booking flights. The closer we move toward December, the higher ticket prices climb, leaving many travellers asking the same question every year: When is the best time to buy flights for Christmas? According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), global air passenger demand during December consistently surges by more than 20% compared to the yearly average, which directly pushes holiday fares higher the closer you book.

The answer is not one-size-fits-all. The right time depends on whether you are flying domestically or internationally, your destination’s popularity, and how flexible you are with travel dates. In this guide, we break down the best time to buy Christmas flights 2025, explore booking windows for domestic and international trips, and share practical tips to help you save money on holiday travel.

Why Christmas Flights Cost More

Before diving into the booking windows, it helps to understand why Christmas airfares are among the most expensive of the year.

1. Peak demand: Millions of travellers worldwide fly in a two-week window around Christmas and New Year, which gives airlines the power to raise fares.
2. Limited supply: Airlines have a fixed number of seats, and the cheapest ones sell out first.
3. Popular routes: Flights connecting families across countries, such as the US to Europe, UK to Australia, or India to the Gulf, sell out months in advance.
4. Holiday timing: Everyone wants to fly on the same days, especially around December 22–26 and January 1–2.

Because of these factors, waiting until the last minute usually backfires. The smartest move is to know your ideal booking window and act on it.

When Is the Best Time to Buy Christmas Flights?

The short answer is that you should not wait until December. Based on multiple airfare studies and travel trends, here are the key windows to remember for Christmas flights 2025:

• Domestic flights: The best time is 1 to 3 months before Christmas, usually between late September and early November. Research shows prices are often lowest between 36 and 72 days before departure.
• International flights: The best time to buy international flights for Christmas is earlier. For most destinations, you should book 4 to 6 months in advance. On high-demand routes, such as US to Europe or India to the UK, the cheapest fares are often available 6 to 9 months before December.

If you are wondering when is the best time to buy Christmas flights in 2025, think of it this way:

• Domestic tickets: Start watching fares in September and book by late October.
• International tickets: Book by summer 2025 to lock in good prices.

Domestic vs International: What You Should Know

1. Domestic Christmas Flights

For travellers staying within the same country, there is a bit more flexibility. Airlines often adjust domestic prices closer to the travel date, but the best window still comes early.

• Ideal booking period: 6 to 10 weeks before Christmas.
• Cheaper days to fly: Monday to Wednesday before or after Christmas are less expensive than weekends.
• Risk of waiting: Prices usually climb sharply after mid-November, and last-minute deals are rare during the festive season.

2. International Christmas Flights

When flying abroad, planning ahead is critical. Airlines release discounted seats on long-haul routes months in advance, and those seats disappear quickly.

• Ideal booking period: 4 to 6 months before travel.
• For high-traffic routes: Consider booking 6 to 9 months in advance. For example, travellers flying from the US to London or from Sydney to Los Angeles should not wait until autumn.
• Flexibility tip: Consider flying into alternate airports near your destination, such as Gatwick instead of Heathrow or Milan instead of Rome, to save significantly.

Best and Worst Days to Travel During Christmas

Even if you book late, choosing the right travel dates can help reduce costs.

• Cheapest days to fly: Departing on a Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday before Christmas often results in lower fares.
• Most expensive days: December 22, 23, and 26 are among the priciest dates every year.
• Hidden tip: Flying on Christmas Day or New Year’s Eve can sometimes be cheaper since fewer people want to travel on those exact days.

Tips to Save Money on Christmas Flights 2025

Knowing when is the best time to buy Christmas flights is only part of the story. The following strategies can help you stretch your travel budget further.

1. Set up fare alerts early
2. Use tools like Google Flights, Skyscanner, or Hopper to track fares. Alerts will notify you the moment prices drop.
3. Be flexible with dates and airports
4. Shifting your departure or arrival by one or two days can make a huge difference. Also, check nearby airports that may offer cheaper alternatives.
5. Look for one-stop or layover options
6. Non-stop flights are convenient but usually more expensive around Christmas. A connecting flight could save you hundreds.
7. Redeem points and miles
8. Holiday travel is a great time to use loyalty rewards. Book early, since airlines often limit reward seat availability during peak seasons.
9. Book refundable tickets when unsure
10. Some airlines allow free changes or cancellations. If you find a good fare, secure it, and then keep watching. If prices drop, you can rebook at the lower rate and save money.
11. Watch for seasonal sales
12. Certain airlines launch Christmas sales as early as August or September. Sign up for newsletters from your favourite carriers so you do not miss out.

Final Thoughts

So, when is the best time to buy flights for Christmas? The key is to act before the holiday rush. Domestic travellers should book between September and November, while international travellers are safest by summer. Avoid waiting for last-minute deals, stay flexible with your travel dates, and use fare-tracking tools to make informed decisions.

Booking smart allows you to spend less on airfare and more on the experiences that truly matter during the holidays.

Plan Your Christmas 2025 Journey with Affluence Travels

At Affluence Travels, we believe every journey should feel effortless and memorable. Whether you are flying home to family or planning a festive getaway abroad, our team can help you secure the right flights at the right price.

Start planning your Christmas trip today with Affluence Travels and travel smarter, not costlier.

FAQs on Christmas Flight Bookings

Q1: When is the best time to buy Christmas flights 2025?

Domestic tickets are cheapest 1 to 3 months before Christmas, while international flights should be booked 4 to 6 months ahead, or even earlier for popular routes.

Q2: Are flights really cheaper on Tuesdays?

Not always. Modern pricing systems change fares dynamically. The day you fly matters more than the day you book.

Q3: Should I wait for last-minute Christmas flight deals?

It is risky. Unlike off-season travel, Christmas fares almost always rise as the holiday approaches.

Q4: What is the best time to buy international flights for Christmas from the US to Europe?

Plan at least 6 months in advance. Booking in summer for December travel offers the best chance of affordable fares.

Q5: Are flights more expensive if I wait until December to book Christmas travel?

Yes, waiting until December to book Christmas flights usually leads to higher prices. Airlines know demand peaks as the holidays approach, so they rarely offer discounts during this time. Most last-minute tickets for Christmas week can be 30–60% more expensive than fares booked in advance. If you must book late, consider flying on off-peak days like December 24th or December 25th, which are often cheaper compared to December 22nd or 23rd.