There’s something magical about the holiday season—twinkling lights, family reunions, and the comforting chaos of travel plans that somehow always cost more than you expect.

Between pricey flights, hotel rates that seem to triple overnight, and the endless list of gifts and gatherings, even the most joyful season can stretch your wallet thin.

But what if saving up to 30% on airfare wasn’t about complex hacks or secret codes but one incredibly simple shift?

According to new data from Going.com, there’s one move travelers can make this year that could mean the difference between breaking the bank and flying smart.


Here’s the secret: fly on the holiday itself. Yes, really. Going.com travel expert Kathy Nastro confirms that traveling on Thanksgiving Day or Christmas Day can slash airfare costs by as much as 30%—a deal that’s hard to ignore in a year when average round-trip Thanksgiving flights hit $751 and Christmas ones hover around $685.

It’s the kind of strategy that works because most travelers avoid it. So while everyone else is rushing to beat the crowds, you’re quietly scoring savings and snagging a calmer airport experience.

But if the idea of showing up just as the turkey’s carved or after the presents are unwrapped doesn’t sound appealing, there’s good news: shifting your travel plans by just one day earlier can still net you big savings—up to 19%, depending on your destination.

The Best Days to Fly for Thanksgiving and Christmas​

For Thanksgiving (besides flying on Nov. 27 itself):

• Midwest: Nov. 24—13% savings
• Northeast: Nov. 24—6.9% savings
• Southeast: Nov. 24—13.4% savings
  Southwest: Nov. 24—19.9% savings
• West Coast: Nov. 26—4.6% savings

Also read: A flight they’ll never forget: Couple speaks out after sitting next to a deceased passenger

For Christmas (besides Dec. 25):

• Midwest: Dec. 24—24.8% savings
• Northeast: Dec. 24—25.5% savings
• Southeast: Dec. 23—20.7% savings
• Southwest: Dec. 24—18.8% savings
• West Coast: Dec. 23 savings

If your schedule allows a little flexibility, those one-day tweaks could mean hundreds of dollars saved—money that could easily go toward a nicer hotel, upgraded seats, or just a little less financial stress this season.


Also read: Unlock the secrets flight attendants use to master holiday travel!

Other Ways to Keep Your Holiday Budget Intact​

If you’re planning to travel for Thanksgiving, book now. Experts say the best window for deals runs 24 to 59 days before travel (roughly Sept. 28 to Nov. 2), but earlier is always smarter.

For Christmas, aim to lock in flights by early October, ideally between 32 and 73 days before your departure.

And here’s a lesser-known travel hack: the week of Thanksgiving is actually one of the cheapest times to travel internationally.

While everyone else is crammed into domestic flights, international fares quietly drop—making it the perfect opportunity to skip the turkey and say hello to new adventures abroad.

Read next:

• The cheapest days to book your holiday flights, according to Google
• Are you overpaying for plane tickets? Expert secrets to snag the best deals revealed!

Would you be willing to fly on a holiday if it meant saving hundreds on your trip—or do you prefer to keep your celebrations uninterrupted? Share your thoughts (and your best travel-saving hacks) below—your advice might just help someone else travel smarter this season.