Last-Minute Christmas Travel Guide

Understanding Holiday Travel Procrastination

The holiday season often brings a unique set of challenges, especially when it comes to travel. Many people find themselves caught in the trap of procrastination, whether it's delaying gift shopping or waiting until the last minute to book flights. This tendency can lead to stressful situations, such as rushing around on Christmas Eve to find the perfect gifts or scrambling to secure a flight at the eleventh hour.

If you're someone who tends to put off planning your holiday travel, there are strategies that can help make the experience smoother and more enjoyable. By understanding which days are best for traveling and which to avoid, you can potentially save money and reduce the stress associated with holiday travel.

Best Days to Travel During the Holidays

According to a recent report from Nerdwallet, there are two primary strategies that can help minimize crowds and potentially save money during the holiday season. The first strategy involves traveling on Christmas Day itself.

Nerdwallet's analysis of TSA data from 2021 to 2024 shows that December 25 is consistently the least crowded travel day. This isn't surprising, as many people prefer to arrive at their destinations before the holiday. However, if you're open to arriving on Christmas Day, this could be an excellent option.

Additionally, December 24 is the second-quietest option according to the report. This means that if you'd like to arrive a bit earlier, you can still enjoy a less crowded travel experience.

Plan B: Departing Earlier and Returning Later

Another effective strategy is to depart earlier and return later. Nerdwallet's analysis of four years of travel data reveals that the least crowded days to fly in the seven days prior and following Christmas are:

• December 18 (Thursday before Christmas)
• January 1 (New Year’s Day)
• December 31 (New Year’s Eve)

These dates offer a chance to avoid the typical holiday rush and enjoy a more relaxed travel experience.

Days to Avoid Flying Around Christmas

While some days are ideal for travel, others should be avoided at all costs. Nerdwallet's analysis of TSA data highlights the busiest travel days around Christmas. These days tend to follow a predictable pattern, regardless of the day of the week Christmas falls on each year.

For 2025, the days to avoid flying include:

• Friday, December 19: This day is consistently one of the top three busiest travel days.
• Saturday, December 20: The weekend before Christmas is typically very busy as people try to reach their destinations.
• Sunday, December 21: This date marks the continuation of the weekend rush, plus people returning from weekend travel.
• Friday, December 26: The post-Christmas travel rush begins as everyone seeks to make their way home.
• Sunday, December 28: Be prepared to fly with countless other travelers who are returning from long weekends.

Of all these days, Friday, December 19 is the most challenging. According to the report, this day sees over 2.8 million people passing through TSA security checkpoints, making it the worst day to fly.

Conclusion

By planning ahead and understanding the best and worst days to travel, you can significantly improve your holiday travel experience. Whether you choose to travel on Christmas Day or opt for an earlier departure and later return, there are options available to help you avoid the crowds and save money. Being aware of the busiest days can also help you make informed decisions about when to book your flights, ensuring a more stress-free holiday season.