Holiday Travel 2025: Many Regret Waiting, But It's Not Too Late

Understanding the Best Times to Book Holiday Flights

As we move past Labor Day, it's time to start thinking about the upcoming winter holiday season. For the second consecutive year, The Points Guy (TPG) partnered with The Harris Poll to gather insights into how Americans feel about traveling during the holidays. One of the most surprising findings was that many people believe they've already missed the optimal time to book their flights.

However, there is good news for those planning to travel this season. According to TPG, the best time to book flights for Thanksgiving trips is from the end of September to the end of October. For Christmas, the ideal booking window is around Halloween and no later than mid-November if you're looking for the best prices.

Increased Travel Plans This Year

One of the most encouraging trends is that more Americans are planning to travel this year compared to last. Despite some data suggesting a drop in demand, nearly two-thirds (65%) of Americans are planning to travel between Thanksgiving and New Year’s, up from 51% last year. This increase is especially notable among younger generations, with Generation Z and millennials showing more enthusiasm for travel than previous generations.

Gen Z and millennials are not only more likely to travel but also twice as likely to plan international trips compared to Generation X and baby boomers. Among those who plan to travel, 83% intend to visit family and friends, while over half (55%) plan to take a vacation during the holidays. These numbers are similar to those seen in 2024.

Trends in Flight Choices

Of those planning to travel, 60% will fly to their destinations. Half (50%) will choose domestic flights, an increase from 44% in 2024, while just over 25% (26%) will opt for international travel. Gen Z and millennials are more inclined to fly internationally, with 34% each planning such trips, compared to 18% for Gen X and 16% for baby boomers.

It's worth noting that the 2025 survey was conducted earlier than the 2024 one, which may have influenced responses. Despite this, the data shows a clear trend toward increased travel plans this year.

Booking Tips and Price Insights

Many travelers have already started booking their holiday trips, with over half (54%) initiating at least some arrangements. However, only 31% have completed all their bookings. A majority of those who have started booking report finding savings, with hotel stays being the top area of savings (51%), followed by flights (42%).

While current prices for both Thanksgiving and Christmas trips are higher than last year—by about 7%—prices are expected to drop as we enter the historically best booking windows in the coming weeks. Setting Google Flights price alerts can help track these changes.

Using Rewards for Holiday Travel

For those with travel rewards, using points and miles can be a smart choice, especially when cash prices are high. The survey found that 88% of travelers with rewards plan to use them for holiday travel, with more opting for hotels (54%) than for airfare (32%). Over 60% of these travelers plan to use more rewards this year than last.

Additionally, 80% of holiday travelers are enrolled in travel rewards programs, an increase from 76% last year. While price remains a top priority for many, staying at favorite hotels or flying with preferred airlines is still important to some.

Concerns About Travel

Weather delays are the biggest concern for holiday travelers, with 51% expressing worry, up from 43% last year. High volumes of travelers (47%) and airline delays or cancellations (32%) are also significant concerns. Other worries include packing (26%), lost luggage (26%), and traveling with gifts (18%).

Despite these concerns, there are plenty of tips and tricks available to make holiday travel smoother. Whether you're booking flights, managing rewards, or preparing for your trip, TPG offers valuable guidance to help you navigate the holiday travel season.

Final Thoughts on Planning

With the right strategies and tools, travelers can still find great deals and enjoy their holiday trips. Whether you're booking flights, using rewards, or simply preparing for the journey, staying informed and proactive is key. As the holiday season approaches, now is the time to start planning and securing your travel arrangements for a stress-free and enjoyable experience.