Ruth Haines
Christmas is a busy time for airports, with many people travelling to spend the holidays with their families. While the days before Christmas are usually the busiest, Christmas Day itself is an exception. Airports are less busy on December 25, with some even closing down operations for the day. This means cheaper flights and shorter lines for those willing to spend part of Christmas Day travelling. However, it's important to plan ahead as public transport options may be limited, and some services located within airports may not be fully operational.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Is Christmas Day packed at the airport? | Christmas Day is historically one of the least crowded days at the airport. |
| Cheapest days to fly | Christmas Eve and Christmas Day |
| Busiest days at the airport | December 23rd to January 1st |
| Busiest airports | Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, and Denver International Airport |
| Busiest time at the airport | Mornings, between 8 a.m. and noon |
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What You'll Learn
Airports are less busy on Christmas Day
Christmas is one of the busiest times to fly, with the period between Christmas and New Year's seeing high volumes of air passengers. The days before Christmas are extra busy at airports, with the weekends before Christmas and New Year's predicted to have the worst road congestion.
However, Christmas Day is historically the least crowded travel day during the holiday week. Airports in countries that celebrate Christmas tend to be quieter, and some are even closed. Flying on Christmas Day means no crowds, no lines, and an overall easier experience. Christmas Day and Christmas Eve are the best days to fly during the last two weeks of the year.
If you don't mind spending part of your Christmas in an airport or in the air, you can take advantage of cheaper flights and fewer crowds. Christmas Day flights are also less expensive than the days surrounding the holiday.
While Christmas Day is a good day to fly, you may face issues if you need to use public transport, taxis, or rental cars at your destination, as these services may be limited or more costly. Additionally, some services located within airports, such as banking services, may not be fully operational.
Overall, if you're looking for a stress-free flying experience and don't mind being away from home on Christmas, choosing to fly on Christmas Day can be a strategic decision to avoid the crowds and save some money.
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Christmas Day flights are cheaper
Christmas is one of the busiest times to fly, with the week around Christmas seeing a 20% increase in flight searches. The entire travel period between Christmas and New Year will have high volumes of air passengers, with 7.85 million air travellers expected in 2024.
However, Christmas Day is historically the least crowded travel day during the holiday week. With fewer people wanting to fly on this day, it can be a good option for those seeking cheaper flights and shorter security lines. Flying on the holiday itself is usually the cheapest option, and with lower demand generally correlating with lower prices, Christmas Day flights are often more affordable.
That being said, it's not always the case that Christmas Day flights are cheaper. Prices can vary based on your destination, the airline, and how early you book. Booking early is generally recommended, as is being flexible with travel dates, comparing different airlines, and considering alternate airports, as these can all impact the price of your flight.
While Christmas Day flights may be cheaper, it's important to consider other factors that could impact your journey. Airports may have reduced services, and you may encounter issues with public transport, taxis, or rental cars, depending on your location. Winter weather can also impact flights, so it's essential to check the forecast and stay updated with flight status alerts.
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Some airports close on Christmas Day
While almost all airports around the world remain operational on Christmas Day to meet the holiday travel demand, a few airports do close on December 25th. Notably, Dublin Airport in Ireland fully shuts down on Christmas Day, with no flights scheduled to depart or arrive. This gives both airport staff and travellers a break for the holiday.
Dublin Airport is an exception, as nearly every other major airport across Europe, North America, and other regions stays open to accommodate passengers travelling to visit family or take advantage of holiday getaways. However, some airports in countries that celebrate Christmas may be quieter or closed altogether. For example, Aer Lingus, Ireland's national airline, generally scales down operations on Christmas Day, with fewer short-haul flights to nearby European destinations.
Additionally, some airlines do not operate on Christmas Day, which can impact the number of flights at certain airports. Jet2, a popular British low-cost leisure airline, does not operate flights on December 25th, as demand for travel is typically lower on this day.
While some airports may close or reduce operations, it is important to note that Christmas Day is one of the least crowded travel days during the holiday week. Airports are usually quieter on Christmas Day compared to the days before and after, making it a good option for those looking to avoid crowds. However, travellers should be prepared for potential issues with connecting transportation, such as public transport, taxis, or rental cars, depending on their destination.
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Christmas Eve is one of the most expensive days to fly
The days leading up to Christmas are particularly busy, with the weekend before Christmas being a popular time for people to head to their holiday destinations. The busiest travel days are anticipated between 23 December and 1 January, with 7.85 million air passengers expected during this period.
However, Christmas Day itself is usually a good day to fly in terms of avoiding crowds and finding cheaper flights. Airports tend to be quieter on Christmas Day, and some are even closed. Flying on Christmas Day allows you to avoid the pre-Christmas rush and can be a strategic choice if you want to save money and don't mind spending part of your holiday in an airport or travelling.
To save money on holiday flights, it's generally recommended to travel on the holiday itself or to depart earlier and return later. Extending your trip can help you take advantage of less crowded and potentially less expensive travel days. Booking as early as possible, ideally by early September, can also help you secure the best prices for Christmas travel.
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Airports are busiest in the morning on Christmas Day
Christmas Day is one of the best days to fly, as it is usually quieter than the days before. However, airports tend to be busiest in the morning, with the highest volume of seats scheduled to depart between 8 am and noon. This is because some travellers may be trying to get to their destinations early to celebrate the holiday later in the day. Therefore, if you are flying on Christmas Day, it is recommended to opt for a late-morning or early-afternoon flight to avoid the morning rush.
While Christmas Day is typically quieter than the days leading up to it, the entire travel period between Christmas and New Year's is expected to have high volumes of air passengers. This year, an unprecedented number of people are set to travel, with about 50% of Americans planning to go somewhere during the winter break. The days with the highest anticipated travel volume are Friday, December 20; Friday, December 27; and Monday, December 30.
To avoid the crowds, it is best to fly on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve, or New Year's Day. These days tend to have fewer crowds and are also when airfare is the cheapest for the holiday season. However, it is important to note that flight delays and cancellations are more common during the winter holiday period due to winter weather conditions.
If you want to beat the crowds, booking the first flight of the day is ideal. Additionally, choosing early, direct flights makes it less likely that you will encounter delays or cancellations. Extending your trip by leaving earlier and returning later can also help reduce the chances of mixing with post-Christmas and New Year travellers.
Overall, while Christmas Day mornings may be busier than the rest of the day at airports, it is still one of the better days to fly during the holiday season. With some flexibility and planning, travellers can take advantage of lower demand and cheaper prices during this time.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on the airport. While most major international airports remain open on Christmas Day, some airports operate at reduced capacity, and a few close altogether. For example, Dublin Airport shuts down completely on December 25. Airports in countries that celebrate Christmas will likely be quieter than usual, and some may be closed.
Yes, Christmas Day is usually one of the cheapest days to fly, and airports are less busy, with up to 23% fewer visitors than usual. However, if your trip is short, you may need to return during the pricey "twixmas" period between December 26 and New Year's Eve.
If your chosen airline or airport doesn't operate on Christmas Day, try to adjust your travel dates. Book early, as flights around the holiday season are often in high demand. Also, confirm your flight status, even if you're not flying on Christmas Day, to ensure that weather or operational issues haven't caused delays or cancellations.
