Ruth Haines
Christmas Eve is often a busy time for airports, with many people travelling to spend the holidays with their families. However, in recent years, Christmas Eve has become one of the least busy days to fly during the Christmas period, with fewer crowds and cheaper prices. This is likely due to people wanting to be with their families on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, rather than travelling. So, if you're looking to avoid the crowds and save some money, Christmas Eve might be the best day to fly.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Are airports busy on Christmas Eve? | Sources suggest that Christmas Eve is one of the least busy days to fly. |
| Cheaper flights | Yes, according to a 2023 study from CheapAir.com, Christmas Eve is the best-priced departure date for the holiday season. |
| Shorter security lines | Yes, fewer people at the airport means shorter security lines. |
| Less expensive Uber rides | Yes, Uber rides from the airport are less expensive due to lower demand. |
| Best time to fly on Christmas Eve | Morning flights are recommended as they are less prone to cancellations. |
| Busiest days to fly around Christmas | December 20-23 and December 26-29. |
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What You'll Learn
Christmas Eve is one of the least busy days to fly
While airport crowds dramatically increase in the days before and after the holiday, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day crowds are light. Last year, 31% more people flew on the day after Christmas compared to Christmas Day. The same pattern is observed in TSA throughput data, which shows that four of the top six busiest days to fly around Christmas in 2022 were December 26 to December 29.
If you want to skip the worst of the crowds, avoid flying from Friday, December 20 to Sunday, December 22. According to Expedia's Holiday Outlook, domestic airfares average $100 more than on those days versus the cheapest days during that period. In 2023, the busiest air travel day in the seven days leading up to Christmas was Friday, December 20. The four days before Christmas Eve, the 20th, 21st, 22nd, and 23rd, are going to be busy travel days.
If you can, it is recommended to fly on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day for cheaper prices and fewer crowds. According to a 2023 study from the flight-search site CheapAir.com, Christmas Eve is the best-priced departure date for the holiday season. The report, based on airfare data for 11,000 flights over the holiday season, says that flying on Christmas Eve could save you close to $120 compared to December 22, which is one of the most expensive days for holiday air travel. You would save a similar amount by flying on Christmas Day, another less desirable travel day for the holidays.
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Christmas Eve flights are cheaper
Christmas Eve flights are often cheaper than flights on the days leading up to Christmas. According to a 2023 study by the flight-search site CheapAir.com, Christmas Eve is the best-priced departure date for the holiday season. The report, based on airfare data for 11,000 flights, found that flying on Christmas Eve could save travellers close to $120 compared to December 22, which is one of the most expensive days for holiday air travel.
This is further supported by a Business Insider reporter who saved $200 on flights from Boston to Paris by flying on Christmas Eve. They also noted that the airports were quiet and easy to navigate. Similarly, a traveller on Reddit shared that they found the cheapest flights from Boston to Paris if they booked them for Christmas Eve.
In addition to being cheaper, flying on Christmas Eve can also help you avoid the crowds associated with the busy holiday travel season. According to data, the weekend before Christmas is when most people will be headed to their holiday destinations, with Friday, December 20 to Sunday, December 22 being the busiest days. In contrast, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day tend to have lighter crowds.
If you're looking to save money and avoid the hassle of crowded airports, booking your flight for Christmas Eve could be a strategic choice. However, it's important to keep in mind that while Christmas Eve flights may be cheaper on average, flight prices can vary based on demand and other factors. It's always a good idea to compare prices and be flexible with your travel dates if possible.
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Christmas Eve morning flights are less prone to cancellations
Christmas Eve is one of the least busy days to fly during the Christmas period, followed by Christmas Day. This is because most people have already arrived at their holiday destinations by this time. According to Expedia's 2024 Air Travel Hacks Report, morning flights on Christmas Eve are 50% less prone to cancellations than flights after 3 pm. This is due to fewer air traffic hold-ups and more buffer time for airline scheduling.
KAYAK's data also supports this, showing that travellers departing before 10 am for Thanksgiving or Christmas in 2023 faced 12% fewer delays than those departing after 5 pm. Additionally, historical data has shown that there are fewer delays when flying on the actual day of a holiday compared to the days before and after.
While Christmas Eve morning flights are generally less prone to cancellations, it is still important to consider other factors that could impact your travel experience. For example, some sources suggest that the weekend before Christmas, specifically Friday, December 20 to Sunday, December 22, is when most people will be headed to their holiday destinations, so it is best to avoid flying on these days if you want to skip the worst of the crowds.
Furthermore, it is worth noting that airport crowds and flight prices tend to increase in the days before and after the holiday, with the days after Christmas being significantly busier than Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Therefore, if you are looking for cheaper flights and quieter airports, travelling on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day is a good option.
Overall, booking a morning flight on Christmas Eve is a strategic choice to avoid cancellations and take advantage of lighter crowds and cheaper prices. However, it is always a good idea to stay updated with the latest travel advisories and give yourself enough time to navigate any potential delays or challenges that may arise during the holiday season.
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Christmas Eve is a good day to fly domestically
Christmas Eve is a great day to fly domestically. While it may seem counterintuitive, hear me out.
Firstly, Christmas Eve is one of the least busy days at the airport during the Christmas period. Most people who celebrate Christmas want to be with their families on this day and will not be travelling. Data from 2023 supports this, showing that 24 December was the quietest day during the Christmas period. This is especially true for morning flights, which are 50% less likely to be cancelled than flights after 3 pm. So, if you're planning a domestic trip, booking a morning flight on Christmas Eve is a great option.
Secondly, flying on Christmas Eve can save you money. A 2023 study from CheapAir.com found that Christmas Eve is the best-priced departure date for the holiday season. The report, based on data from 11,000 flights, revealed that flying on Christmas Eve could save you around $120 compared to 22 December, one of the most expensive days for holiday travel.
Additionally, Christmas Eve flights often mean shorter security lines, cheaper Uber rides, and a more relaxing travel experience overall. This is especially beneficial during the holidays, which are typically a stressful time to travel.
However, it's important to keep in mind that not all Christmas Eves are the same. For example, if Christmas Eve falls on a weekend, it may be busier as people take advantage of the weekend to travel before the holiday. In such cases, the days leading up to Christmas Eve might be quieter.
Therefore, if you're planning to fly domestically during the holidays, consider making Christmas Eve your travel day. You'll likely benefit from lower prices, fewer crowds, and a more enjoyable travel experience overall. Just be sure to check the calendar and travel predictions for the year you're planning to fly!
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Christmas Eve is a good day to fly internationally
Flying on Christmas Eve is a good option if you need to be at your destination by Christmas morning. While you may encounter lighter crowds, it is still important to plan ahead and arrive at the airport early, especially if you are travelling from a busy airport or taking a domestic flight. For example, travellers have suggested arriving at LAX five hours early for a domestic flight on Christmas Eve. Additionally, consider adding a buffer day to your travel plans to account for potential delays or disruptions.
If you are looking for cheaper flights, travelling on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day can also help you save money. However, it is important to book your flights as early as possible, ideally by early September at the latest, to take advantage of the best prices. For international flights, it is recommended to book even earlier, if possible.
While Christmas Eve is generally a good day to fly, it is important to be mindful of potential disruptions due to winter weather and technical issues, which can have a significant impact during the busy holiday travel season. Therefore, it is advisable to have travel insurance and be prepared for any delays or cancellations.
Overall, if you are planning to fly internationally during the Christmas season, Christmas Eve can be a strategic choice to avoid crowds and potentially save on travel costs. By planning ahead, arriving early at the airport, and being prepared for potential disruptions, you can make the most of your holiday travel.
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Frequently asked questions
Christmas Eve is usually one of the lightest travel days during the Christmas period. However, it can be busy in the morning, especially for domestic flights.
The four days before Christmas Eve, the 20th, 21st, 22nd, and 23rd, are often busy travel days.
Yes, Christmas Eve is the best-priced departure date for the holiday season.
Christmas Day is usually quieter than normal, and certainly quieter than the days before and after Christmas.
