Holiday Travel Plans Drop as Airfares Climb

Americans are adjusting their holiday budgets by staying closer to home. A new report from NerdWallet shows that 31% of the population intends to skip traditional travel expenses like flights and hotel rooms for the 2026 holiday season. This figure marks a 22% increase compared to the previous year, indicating a clear shift toward conserving cash during the festive period.

The decision to stay put aligns with rising costs at the airport. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that airline ticket prices have jumped 23.4% year over year. Higher jet fuel costs, reduced flight capacity, and sustained consumer demand have all contributed to the price surge. Sally French, NerdWallet's travel expert, noted that while passengers accepted price hikes last year, the continued climb is now more visible to the average traveler.

The recent closure of Spirit Airlines has removed a key option for budget-conscious consumers. French explained that the loss of a no-frills carrier has intensified competition among remaining airlines, pushing airfares up across the board. Even travelers who did not fly with Spirit are feeling the impact of this reduced competition.

Other surveys confirm the trend. A joint study by The Points Guy and YouGov found that 55% of respondents plan to avoid holiday travel entirely. For those who do travel, high airfare remains the primary concern. NerdWallet data shows that the 42% of Americans who will travel expect to spend an average of $2,439 on flights and accommodations, a figure that has remained stable since 2025.

Parents of young children are more likely to travel than their childless peers. Approximately 62% of parents with children under 18 plan to spend on holiday travel, compared to just 33% of non-parents. However, these families are looking for ways to lower the bill. Eighteen percent of parents said they would accept less convenient options, such as late-night flights or poor connections, to save money. Only 8% of non-parents reported similar flexibility.

Credit card points are also playing a larger role in funding these trips. About 26% of parents with children plan to use rewards points to cover holiday travel costs. That figure is nearly double the 14% of non-parents who intend to use points for the same purpose.

The data suggests a divide between those who are priced out and those who are adapting their habits to afford the trip. While the majority of non-parents are staying home, a significant portion of the population is willing to make logistical sacrifices to keep the holiday travel tradition alive.