Owais Crawford
The days around Christmas are some of the busiest for airports, with the week of Christmas being one of the busiest times to fly. The day after Christmas, December 26 or Boxing Day, is expected to be busy as well, with people returning home after Christmas and taking off before New Year's Eve. In 2023, 31% more people flew on the day after Christmas compared to Christmas Day. In 2024, Boxing Day, December 26, is expected to be the busiest and most expensive day to fly after Christmas.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Busiest travel days | Between 23rd December and 1st January |
| Least busy days | Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve, and New Year's Day |
| Busiest airports | Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, and Denver International Airport |
| Busiest time to travel | Morning |
| Busiest day of the week | Sunday |
| Busiest time of the day | 7:30 pm |
| Busiest airport in the UK | Manchester Airport |
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Queues at each stage
On Boxing Day specifically, one source mentions that Manchester Airport is typically quite busy, with queues at each stage of the airport process. However, another source suggests that Christmas Day and Christmas Eve tend to be less busy, with the number of travellers increasing the day after Christmas. This is supported by data from TSA throughput, which indicates that four of the six busiest days to fly around Christmas in 2023 were from 26 to 29 December.
To avoid the worst of the crowds, it is recommended to fly on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, as these tend to be less busy and cheaper. However, it is important to note that the desire to avoid travelling on holidays may cause an increase in traveller numbers on the days immediately before and after Christmas.
The time of day can also impact the length of queues at the airport. For example, peak commuting hours during the week tend to be more crowded, so travelling early in the morning or after the evening commute can help avoid lengthy queues.
Additionally, the type of flight, whether domestic or international, can influence the number of people at the airport. For instance, the Saturday and Sunday after Thanksgiving are considered the worst days for returning home from international flights, while the Friday, Monday, and Tuesday after Thanksgiving are recommended for domestic flights.
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Reduced staffing
However, it's important to note that the level of reduced staffing can vary across airports and even different terminals within the same airport. Some airports may have minimal staff on hand, while others may have a more substantial reduction. This can be influenced by various factors, such as the airport's size, the number of flights scheduled, and the availability of staff during the holiday period.
In addition, reduced staffing can impact the availability of certain services and facilities within the airport. Some airports may have limited dining and shopping options open, and certain services, such as fast-track security or special assistance, may not be available or could be operating with longer wait times. It is always a good idea to check with the specific airport or terminal to understand the level of reduced staffing and the potential impact on your travel experience.
While reduced staffing can contribute to shorter queues, it's worth noting that other factors can still affect the busyness of airports on Boxing Day. For example, travellers with flexible plans may choose to fly on Boxing Day to take advantage of lower demand and cheaper airfares. As a result, there may be a notable number of passengers despite the reduced staffing. Nonetheless, the overall impact of reduced staffing on Boxing Day can lead to a less crowded and potentially smoother travel experience for those choosing to fly on this day.
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Peak times
Boxing Day, which falls on December 26, is considered a busy time at airports, with people travelling for post-Christmas holidays. The day is likely to be one of the extremes—either "absolutely manic" or "absolutely brilliant and very smooth".
While Christmas Eve and Christmas Day are relatively quieter, the 26th is when people start returning home after Christmas and taking off ahead of New Year's Eve. In 2023, 31% more people flew the day after Christmas compared to Christmas Day. The trend is likely to continue in 2024, with a 20% increase in flight searches for the Christmas travel period.
The days leading up to Christmas are also busy, with the weekend before Christmas being a popular time for people to head to their holiday destinations. The busiest air travel day in 2023 was Friday, December 20. The day after Christmas, December 26, is also expected to be the busiest and most expensive day to fly in 2024.
Airports like Manchester are always quite busy, with queues at each stage, and travellers have reported unpredictable timings. It is recommended to book fast-track security for peace of mind, especially if you have less time before your flight.
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Cheaper flights
Boxing Day sales are a great time to find cheap flights. Many airlines offer discounted prices on flights, including national carriers and low-cost airlines. Keep an eye out for deals from TUI, BA, Virgin, and easyJet. Additionally, websites like CheapOair offer cheap Boxing Day flight deals with over 400 options to choose from.
When planning your travel, it's important to consider the busiest days at the airport. The week around Christmas is one of the busiest times to fly, with airport crowds dramatically increasing in the days before and after the holiday. The weekend before Christmas, from Friday to Sunday, is particularly busy as many people are headed to their holiday destinations.
If you want to avoid the worst of the crowds, consider flying on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, as these tend to be the least crowded travel days during the holiday week. The day after Christmas, December 26th (Boxing Day), is usually one of the busiest and most expensive days to fly, with people taking post-Christmas holidays.
To find the best deals and avoid the crowds, it's recommended to book in advance. Sign up for newsletters and use websites or apps that offer flight alerts and updates, as well as those that allow you to compare different modes of transportation, such as Kiwi.com, Rail Europe, and Omio. Additionally, using a credit card that earns extra rewards can be beneficial when booking flights.
By planning ahead, remaining flexible with your travel dates, and taking advantage of Boxing Day sales, you can secure cheaper flights and have a more enjoyable travel experience.
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Busiest airports
Boxing Day falls on the 26th of December, and it is considered a busy time at airports with people travelling for post-Christmas holidays. In 2023, 31% more people flew the day after Christmas compared to Christmas Day. The day after Christmas, 26 December, is predicted to be the busiest and most expensive day to fly in 2024. Airports are expected to remain busy until 29 December as people return home after Christmas and leave for New Year's Eve celebrations.
Manchester Airport, for example, is always quite busy, with queues at each stage. However, the number of staff is adjusted according to the number of flights scheduled, so services may be reduced.
To avoid crowds, it is recommended to fly on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve, and New Year's Day. These are typically the least crowded days for flying during the holiday season.
In the United States, the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, and Denver International Airport are anticipated to be the busiest airports from Christmas to New Year's.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Boxing Day is one of the busiest travel days at airports. In 2023, 31% more people flew the day after Christmas compared to Christmas Day.
The best days to fly during the holidays are Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve, and New Year's Day. These are usually the least crowded travel days during the holiday week.
Book in advance, be flexible with travel days and times, and consider using a credit card that earns extra rewards. Arrive at the airport early and use online check-in and self-service options to speed up the process.
Yes, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, and Denver International Airport are anticipated to be the busiest airports from Christmas to New Year's.
