Finding cheap Christmas flights may feel impossible. Prices climb every week, airports get crowded, and last-minute tickets sell out quickly. But here’s the good news: with the right strategy, you can still save hundreds and enjoy stress-free holiday travel.

This guide shares pro tips for cheap Christmas flights: when to book, how to unlock hidden deals, and why calling a travel agent can make all the difference.

Book Early — But Not Too Early

Airlines usually release seats at least 10 months in advance, but that doesn’t always mean you’ll find the lowest price right away. In fact, fares often start high when first released. Prices then fluctuate throughout the year in response to demand.

The sweet spot for cheap Christmas flights is usually between September and early November. By this time, airlines know which flights are filling up and where they need to push more sales, so you’ll often see better deals.

After early November, however, prices climb almost daily as Christmas approaches. By December, only the most expensive seats are left, and last-minute deals for peak holiday travel are rare.

Pro Tip: If you see a good price in September or October, grab it. Waiting even one more week can mean paying a significant premium.

Be Flexible with Dates and Airports

Flexibility is one of the biggest money-savers when booking cheap Christmas flights. Since winter travel demand peaks right before and after December 25, airlines raise fares on those days.

The busiest — and most expensive — travel dates are usually December 21–23 for outbound flights and December 26–27 for returns. If possible, plan to leave a few days earlier or later.

  • Flying on December 18–19 or December 24 can be much cheaper than leaving on December 22.
  • For the return, try December 27–30. For even better deals, travel back after New Year’s (January 5–7).
  • Midweek flights (Tuesday or Wednesday) are often less expensive than weekend departures.

Airports also play a big role. Large hubs like Newark, Houston, Chicago, and Los Angeles often have lower fares due to more competition, even if they aren’t your closest airport. Sometimes, driving or booking a short domestic connection can save you a lot on your international ticket.

Pro Tip: Check both nearby departure and arrival airports. For example, fares for Manila and Cebu can differ widely, as can flights into JFK versus Newark. The extra effort can mean significant savings.

For more information, see When is the best time to book flights for Christmas?

Try Alternative Routes

When demand for nonstop flights spikes during the winter season, prices rise quickly. That’s why one-stop routes can be a great way to save money. Connecting flights often cost less because they spread demand across multiple hubs.

For example:

  • Flying from New York to Accra is often cheaper with a Royal Air Maroc connection in Casablanca than with a nonstop.
  • Los Angeles to Manila may be more affordable via Tokyo with ANA or via Taipei with EVA Air.

Another advantage is the chance to add a stopover. Some airlines encourage travelers to spend extra time in their hub city — often at little or no extra cost.

  • Turkish Airlines lets you enjoy Istanbul with free or discounted hotel stays.
  • Qatar Airways offers stopover packages in Doha, including hotel and city tours.
  • Emirates promotes Dubai stopovers, turning your layover into a mini-vacation.

These stopover programs not only lower the overall fare but also give you a bonus travel experience during your holiday trip.

Pro Tip: Ask a travel agent if your ticket qualifies for a free or low-cost stopover. Instead of sitting in the airport, you could enjoy an extra city on your way to see family for Christmas.

Check Multi-City and Open-Jaw Tickets

Holiday travel often means juggling visits to family in different cities. That’s where multi-city or open-jaw tickets can save both money and time.

Instead of booking two separate one-way flights, a multi-city itinerary combines them into a single ticket. This not only lowers the total fare but also keeps your baggage and connections protected.

Examples:

  • Flying New York-Delhi, then returning to New York via Mumbai, lets you see both cities without paying for an extra domestic flight.
  • For the Philippines, you could fly from Los Angeles to Manila, spend time with family, and then return from Manila to Cebu, skipping the need to backtrack.
  • West African routes often benefit too. For example, booking Washington, D.C. → Accra on the way out and Monrovia → Washington, D.C. on the return can sometimes be cheaper than buying a standard round-trip ticket to just one city. This way, you avoid backtracking and save both time and money.

Multi-city tickets also make it easier to add a stopover program in Europe, the Middle East, or Asia — so you can explore a second destination on your way to or from holiday celebrations.

Pro Tip: Always ask an agent to compare round-trip vs. multi-city. During Christmas, open-jaw tickets can sometimes beat standard round-trips, especially if local low-cost carriers connect the cities you plan to visit.

Santa also books cheap Christmas flights in advance

Call a Travel Agent for Unpublished Deals

Many of the best cheap Christmas flights never appear online. ASAP Tickets agents have access to unpublished wholesale fares that you won’t see on search engines. They can also combine different airlines to build hidden savings.

Call 844-300-7983 and our experts will compare one-way, round-trip, and multi-city options to find you the lowest holiday fare.

Pack Smart and Save on Extras

Christmas travel usually means carrying more than usual — from gifts for loved ones to special foods from home. But excess baggage fees can add hundreds to your trip if you’re not careful.

Most international airlines include one free checked bag (up to 50 lbs/23 kg) on economy fares. However, some carriers, like Philippine Airlines, Qatar Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, and Royal Air Maroc, still allow two checked bags on many routes. This can make a big difference for holiday travelers.

Cabin baggage rules also matter. Most airlines allow one carry-on (about 7–10 kg/15–22 lbs) plus a small personal item, but sizes and weights vary. Always double-check before flying to avoid surprise charges at the gate.

Holiday travel tip: Wrap gifts upon arrival. Security may open wrapped presents during screening, and unwrapping/re-wrapping at the airport can be a hassle. Also, avoid packing restricted items, such as liquids exceeding 3.4 oz/100 ml, in your carry-on.

If you expect to carry more, it’s often cheaper to prepay for extra bags online or through an agent instead of paying last-minute fees at the airport.

Pro Tip: Ask your travel agent about baggage allowances before booking. Sometimes choosing an airline with a 2-bag policy can save more than the price difference of the ticket itself.

Conclusion: Book Early, Stay Flexible, and Save Big

Yes, Christmas is the busiest travel season of the year. However, with the right planning, you don’t need to overspend. By booking early, staying flexible, and calling an agent for unpublished fares, you can secure cheap Christmas flights and enjoy the holidays with family and friends.

Ready to find your deal? Call 844-300-7983 today and let ASAP Tickets book your perfect Christmas flight.

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