Domestic holiday fares rise 15%‑16% in 2026 while international rates stay flat

Domestic fares for Thanksgiving are up 15% year over year and for Christmas are up 16% year over year, while international fares for both holidays are essentially unchanged from last year.

The Midwest sees the steepest Thanksgiving increase at 28% YoY, the Northeast records a 34% rise for Christmas, and the West shows increases of 11% for Thanksgiving and 14% for Christmas; the cheapest departure day for Thanksgiving is Monday, Nov. 23, and the cheapest for Christmas is Christmas Eve, with the weekends before and after each holiday being the most expensive days to travel.