Holiday Flight Prices: 10-Year Highs

Travelers planning trips for Thanksgiving and Christmas face their most expensive holiday seasons in a decade. Data from the travel planning platform Hopper indicates that average airfares have risen 30% for the Thanksgiving period and 23% for the Christmas period compared to the same dates in 2025.

The price surge follows a steep climb in operating costs for major carriers. The Argus US Jet Fuel Index currently lists jet fuel at $206 per barrel. This figure stands far above the historical average range of $50 to $115 per barrel. A year ago, the same index recorded prices at $88 per barrel.

Michael Goldberg, a professor in the Department of Design and Innovation at Case Western Reserve University’s Weatherhead School of Management, attributes the spike to two primary factors. He points to the ongoing conflict in Iran, which has driven up fuel costs, and the recent closure of budget airlines like Spirit. These economic shifts have reduced competition and raised the baseline cost for operating flights.

Airlines have responded to higher costs by maintaining high price points rather than offering deep discounts. Goldberg notes that carriers recognize that holiday travelers have limited flexibility in their schedules. Because passengers are eager to be with family, airlines can sustain higher fares without the usual risk of empty seats. "Airlines know that consumers that want to be with loved ones for Thanksgiving or Christmas [have] less flexibility in their plans," Goldberg said.

Even if geopolitical tensions ease, Goldberg predicts that price relief will not be immediate. Market adjustments take time to filter down to consumer ticket prices. He warns that if other market variables shift, the downward trend in costs could stall or reverse before travelers see lower fares.

Venica Hearst Evans, owner of Ventures Away Travel, advises clients to adjust their booking strategies to cope with the current market. She suggests setting price alerts on platforms like Google Flights and remaining flexible with travel dates and times. "Don't wait and expect a better deal to come along," Evans said. She recommends bundling airfare with hotel and car rental services to lower total trip costs.

Evans also advises travelers to look beyond the base ticket price. She urges customers to factor in the total cost, including fees for checked bags and seat selections. She suggests checking credit card rewards programs and airline notification systems for additional savings opportunities. Her final recommendation is to book as soon as a traveler finds a price they can afford.