Holiday Air Travel: How to Fly on the Busiest Days
Thanksgiving and the December holidays are the busiest times to fly, with crowded airports, high fares and weather delays. Here's when to book, the best and worst days to fly, how to get through security faster, and what to do if your flight is delayed or canceled.
By Pond.com editors Updated 2 min read
Quick answer
- Book holiday flights early, ideally several weeks to a couple of months ahead, and watch prices.
- Flying on the holiday itself, or on less popular days, is often cheaper and less crowded.
- Take the first flight of the day, which is least likely to be delayed.
- Arrive early, use TSA PreCheck if you have it, and bring a REAL ID or passport.
- Don't wrap gifts in your carry-on, and pack foods like gravy and cranberry sauce in checked bags.
Flying home for Thanksgiving or the December holidays can feel like a test of patience: crowded airports, high fares and winter weather. A little planning makes a big difference, and some of the best tricks are as simple as choosing the right day and time.
Book early and be flexible
- Book early. Holiday fares tend to rise as seats fill. Several weeks to a couple of months ahead is a good target.
- Set price alerts so you can book when fares drop. See how to find cheap flights.
- Use points and miles if you have them; see how to use points and miles for travel.
- Check nearby airports, which can be cheaper and less crowded.
Best and worst days to fly
| Thanksgiving | December holidays | |
|---|---|---|
| Busiest | Tuesday and Wednesday before, and the Sunday after | The days just before Christmas and just after New Year's |
| Often quieter | Thanksgiving Day, and the Monday after | Christmas Day and New Year's Day |
Fly early in the morning. The first flights of the day are least likely to be delayed, since delays build up as the day goes on.
Getting through the airport
- Bring the right ID. Adults need a REAL ID-compliant license or another accepted ID, such as a passport, to fly within the US.
- Arrive early: at least 2 hours for domestic flights at busy times, more at large airports.
- Use TSA PreCheck if you have it, and check in online.
- Download your airline's app for gate changes and rebooking.
Packing for the holidays
- Don't wrap gifts in carry-ons; security may need to open them. Use gift bags or wrap at your destination, or ship gifts ahead.
- Food: pies and cakes are generally fine in a carry-on. Gravy, cranberry sauce, jams and other spreadable foods must follow the liquids rule, so pack them in checked bags.
- Pack light to avoid bag fees and long baggage lines; see how to pack light.
If your flight is delayed or canceled
- Rebook in the app or by phone while you wait in line.
- Know your rights: if the airline cancels and you don't travel, you're owed a refund.
- Ask about meals or hotels if the delay is the airline's fault.
- Check your credit card for trip delay coverage. See travel insurance explained.
Common questions
The days just before Thanksgiving, especially the Tuesday and Wednesday, and the Sunday after Thanksgiving are usually the busiest. Thanksgiving Day itself and the Monday after are often quieter and sometimes cheaper.
Yes. TSA generally allows pies and cakes through security in a carry-on, though they may get extra screening. Liquids and spreadable foods like gravy, cranberry sauce and jam must follow the 3.4-ounce liquids rule in carry-ons.
In the US, if an airline cancels your flight or makes a significant change and you choose not to travel, you're entitled to a refund to your original form of payment. Many airlines also rebook you for free and offer meals or hotels for delays within their control. Check your airline's customer service commitments.