Airports During Christmas: Rush Or Relaxed?

Christmas is one of the busiest times of the year for travel, with millions of people travelling to be with their families. Airports are often crowded, with long lines and delayed flights. However, Christmas Day itself is usually quieter than the days leading up to the holiday, as most people are already with their families. Flying on Christmas Day can be a good option for those looking for cheaper flights and smaller crowds. However, it's important to keep in mind that reduced staffing on Christmas Day can slow things down, and public transportation or rental car services may be limited.

Christmas Eve vs Christmas Day

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day are typically quiet days at the airport, as most people who celebrate Christmas tend to spend these days with their families. However, some people do choose to travel on these days to take advantage of lower prices and fewer crowds.

Christmas Eve falls on the 24th of December, and while it is usually quieter than the days before, some sources suggest that it can still be busy, especially in the morning, as people tend to book early flights to make the most of the day. Christmas Eve is also a popular day for people to host or attend family events or go to church, which can make travelling difficult. Therefore, if you need to be at your destination by Christmas morning, it is best to travel on Christmas Eve morning, as flights before 3 pm are less likely to be cancelled.

Christmas Day, the 25th of December, is usually the least crowded travel day during the holiday week, and it can also be a good day to find cheaper flights. However, this may vary depending on the airport, and there may still be issues with transport to and from the airport, such as public transport, taxis, or rental cars. Additionally, some services located within airports may not be fully operational.

Overall, both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day can be good days to travel, as they typically have fewer crowds and lower prices. However, it is important to consider your specific travel needs and plans and allow for potential issues with transport and services.

Busiest airports

While airports tend to be busy in the days leading up to Christmas, Christmas Day itself is usually one of the least busy days for air travel. This is because most people who celebrate Christmas spend the day with their families, not travelling.

However, some people do still fly on Christmas Day, and it can be a good day to find cheaper flights and shorter queues at the airport. That said, it can be a different story at the other end of your flight, with public transport, taxis, and rental cars potentially being harder to come by.

If you are flying in the days before Christmas, you should expect long queues at check-in and security. It is recommended that you arrive at the airport at least three hours before an international flight and two hours before a domestic flight. Some sources suggest that Christmas Eve is one of the busiest days for travel, with the highest volume of seats scheduled to depart in the morning, between 8 am and 12 pm.

Major US airports like Atlanta, Dallas Fort-Worth, and Denver are expected to be some of the busiest, serving over 1.3 million scheduled departing seats each. These airports are also experiencing higher numbers of cancellations and delays.

Delays and cancellations

First, it is important to be aware of the busy travel days around Christmas. In general, the days leading up to Christmas, such as December 21-23, tend to be the busiest at airports, with higher numbers of travellers and a greater chance of delays and cancellations. Christmas Eve and Christmas Day itself are usually quieter, but there may still be some travel disruptions.

To avoid potential delays, it is recommended to book the first flight of the day, as flights departing after 9 am are twice as likely to be delayed. Mornings are typically the busiest time at airports, with the highest volume of departures. However, this may vary depending on the airport and the day of the week. For example, Christmas Eve falling on a Sunday may result in lighter crowds, but there could still be high traffic in the mornings as people try to get an early start to their travels.

To stay ahead of any delays or cancellations, it is advisable to track your flight status in advance. Tools like FlightAware allow you to enter your flight information and see if your plane is ahead of schedule, on time, or behind schedule. This can give you an early heads-up and help you make alternative arrangements if needed. Additionally, keeping an eye on the weather forecast a few days before your flight is essential, as winter weather conditions can cause travel disruptions.

In the event of a delay or cancellation, it is important to act quickly. Contact your airline directly to explore your options, which may include rebooking on another flight or receiving compensation. Having the airline's mobile app downloaded can be helpful for receiving real-time updates and managing your travel plans. Remember that many others may be affected by the same disruption, so act promptly to increase your chances of securing a desirable alternative.

Lastly, when travelling during the busy Christmas period, it is advisable to pack light and only bring carry-on luggage if possible. This reduces the risk of losing checked baggage and simplifies your travel experience, especially if you need to make sudden changes to your itinerary due to delays or cancellations.

Cheaper flights

While it is possible to find cheaper flights during the Christmas period, it requires careful planning and flexibility. Here are some tips to find cheaper flights during the holidays:

Booking in Advance

The best time to book flights for the Christmas holidays is between mid-October and early November, ideally before October ends. Booking by mid-October can result in significant savings, with some flights potentially dropping by up to $80 compared to peak prices. However, it is important to note that the closer it gets to the holidays, the more expensive airfares tend to become.

Flying on Less Busy Days

Choosing to fly on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, or New Year's Eve can result in considerable savings. These days often have lower demand, leading to cheaper airfares. For example, flying on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day can be up to $200 cheaper than other travel days. Similarly, returning home on New Year's Eve can also be more affordable.

Flexibility with Airlines and Destinations

Being flexible with your choice of airline and destination can also help you find cheaper flights. Monitoring flight prices and being willing to fly with different airlines can help you take advantage of deals and lower prices. Additionally, consider popular domestic destinations like New York City, Orlando, Miami, Los Angeles, and Honolulu, as these locations often have more affordable flight options during the holidays.

Avoiding Peak Travel Days

Steer clear of the days immediately before and after major holidays, such as the Wednesday before Thanksgiving and the Sunday after. These are typically the busiest and most expensive days to fly. Instead, consider flying a day or two before or after these peak travel days to find better deals.

Tracking and Monitoring Tools

Utilize tracking tools like Google Flights or Hopper to monitor flight prices. These tools can help you identify price drops and score deals. Some airlines also allow you to rebook your ticket if the price drops after booking, so you can take advantage of any price differences.

While finding cheaper flights during the Christmas holidays can be challenging, it is certainly possible with careful planning, flexibility, and a bit of luck. Keep an eye on prices, book in advance when possible, and consider flying on less busy days to increase your chances of saving money on airfare.

Tips for passengers

While the days before Christmas are expected to be busy at airports, Christmas Day is usually quieter than usual. However, it's important to note that this can vary depending on the airport and the country. Some airports may even be closed on Christmas Day. To ensure a smooth travel experience, here are some tips for passengers:

• If possible, try to book your flight for Christmas Day itself. Airports tend to be less crowded on the holiday, and you may be able to take advantage of discounted prices.
• Keep an eye on the weather forecast a few days before your flight. Winter weather can cause travel disruptions, so it's good to be prepared and adjust your plans if needed.
• Arrive at the airport earlier than usual, especially if you're flying internationally. Give yourself ample time to navigate any potential crowds or delays.
• Pack light and only bring carry-on luggage. This will save you time and reduce the risk of losing your checked baggage.
• Download and use your airline's mobile app. Many airlines offer apps that provide useful information and updates about your flight.
• Track your flight ahead of time. Use websites or apps to monitor your flight's schedule and potential delays or cancellations. This can help you stay ahead of any issues and make alternative arrangements if necessary.
• Be flexible and prepared for delays. Understand that travel disruptions may occur, and be ready to adjust your plans if needed.
• Plan for reduced services and staffing. Some airport services may have limited operations during the holidays, which can slow things down.
• Opt for a morning or early afternoon flight. These tend to have fewer people and lower chances of delays compared to later flights.
• If you're flying from a major airport, expect higher volumes of travellers and potential delays or cancellations.

Frequently asked questions