Travel Expert Offers Strategies Amid Record High Holiday Airfares

Holiday airfares this year have reached their highest levels in a decade, adding pressure on Americans planning Thanksgiving and Christmas travel. A recent report from Hopper, a travel-booking company, highlights significant increases in airfare prices compared to last year.

2026 Holiday Travel Index Findings

According to Hopper’s 2026 Holiday Travel Index, domestic round-trip airfare for Thanksgiving is averaging $402. This marks a 31% rise or $95 more than last year. International airfare to destinations in Europe, Mexico, and Central America has also increased. For Christmas, domestic round-trip airfare is averaging $452, up by 23% or $85 from the previous year. Flights to Mexico and Central America have climbed by 23%, while fares to Europe increased by 15%.

Factors Contributing to Rising Airfare

The report cites elevated jet fuel costs, partly due to conflict in Iran, as a primary factor in the increased prices. These rising costs make 2026 the most expensive holiday travel year in the past decade.

Impact on Travelers

Gary Leff, a Texas-based aviation expert, noted that higher prices significantly impact families traveling together. “It’s a much bigger deal when you’re multiplying increases by four or more passengers,” Leff explained.

Saving Strategies for Travelers

Leff advises keeping a close watch on airfare prices even after booking. “You buy now and the fare drops, you just have to watch it,” he said. Most tickets no longer have change fees, allowing travelers to adjust their flights and possibly receive credit if prices decrease.

Leff warns that common money-saving strategies, such as using different airports or choosing connecting flights, may not always be effective. Additional costs for transportation to farther airports and risks associated with layovers should be considered. “If you take a connection instead of a nonstop, that’s more of an opportunity for things to go wrong,” Leff stated.

Lastly, he recommends considering the use of airline miles to offset costs, suggesting travelers accumulate them when possible.