For airports, the 2024 festive period is set to be one of the busiest ones in years – Christmas Day and the first night of Hannukah will fall on the same date, creating a larger-than-usual demand for holiday flights. This will be reflected in busier terminals, longer queues and rising ticket prices.
While there’s no golden rule to securing low-cost plane tickets over the Christmas period, there are some precautions that can be taken to make festive flying as stress-free, convenient and cheap as possible. Below, we explore how to book a flight during Christmas, when to travel, and tips on surviving (and even enjoying) air travel during the festive period.
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When to Book Christmas Flights
Studies have shown that the only statistically significant method to ensure low-cost plane tickets over Christmas is to book as early as possible.
Strategies like buying tickets on a Tuesday or waiting until the last possible moment and hoping to score cheap last-minute tickets are ineffective and outdated. In the current world of ever-changing flight prices dictated by a series of sophisticated algorithms, these tactics no longer work. Ticket prices are actually more likely to rise the closer it gets to the departure date as airlines look to cash in on the desperate and the corporate. Conversely, Christmas Eve is one of the cheapest days to fly in December. If it’s possible to leave it that late, travelling on the 24th could account for significant savings.
A further exception to this rule is airline sale events. Most major airlines offer deals on Black Friday, Cyber Monday (falling on November 29 and December 2 in 2024, respectively) and January. However, the likelihood of scoring a discount on a busy December flight here is slim – most Black Friday Sale flights are scheduled during the quieter periods between late January and April.
As well as avoiding price spikes, booking early offers the straightforward advantage of ensuring a seat on a desired route. Flights sell out faster than usual over the holiday season, and passengers who require accessible seating or extra legroom are expected to book as soon as they can, as these spaces often sell out the fastest. If you’re flexible on your departure date, flight comparison websites like Skyscanner or Kayak allow users to compare prices across an entire month and find the cheapest seats during a given time period.
If timing is less important, it may be wise to wait until the post-Christmas off-season of January to February. Between the last night of Hannukah on January 2nd and the beginning of Ramadan on the 28th of February, there are no major religious festivals or school holidays. The result is an off-season fêted by frugal flyers.
Flying on Christmas Day
For those who don’t celebrate Christmas or Hannukah, there is a silver lining within the chaos of holiday season flights: flying on Christmas Day itself. The 25th of December is usually one of the cheapest days to fly on, and airports are less busy, with up to 23% fewer visitors than usual according to Nerdwallet.
There are some points to consider though – a short trip may require a return flight during the pricey twixmas period between December 26 and New Year’s Eve.
While flights run 365 days a year, it’s wise to research and organize transport to and from the airport. Depending on the countries at either end, public transport options may be limited on Christmas Day.
Related: The best day to book a flight
The Worst Days to Fly in December
Of course, airlines will bump ticket prices on certain days leading up to the holidays – traditionally, the 21st and 22nd of December are two of the most expensive days to fly across the board, while the Friday before Christmas sees a double whammy of year-high ticket prices and overcrowded airports hosting an average 25% more airline passengers than usual.
Do airlines overbook flights during the holidays?
Another incentive to book early is the simple fact that, over the holidays, flights fill up faster than usual. Booking early is not just cost-effective, it secures a space on the most in-demand flights.
On some airlines though, booking a seat still isn’t a guarantee of making that flight. During peak times like the holiday season, airlines may overbook - selling more tickets than there are available seats in the hope that some passengers don’t show up. While it might sound ethically suspect, overbooking is regrettably commonplace in the aviation, hotel and events industries. The practice is more likely during busy times of year, when companies seek to maximise their profits on in-demand flights. There can be a glimmer of hope for passengers on overbooked flights. If everyone shows up, airlines will offer a range of perks to flexible passengers willing to switch to a later flight. These range from free tickets to vouchers, seat upgrades and cash payouts, depending on the severity of the situation.
Six Travel Tips for the Holiday Season
1. Weigh luggage before arriving at the airport
Airlines maintain strict weight limits for both checked bags and hand luggage – overweight luggage fees can be extortionate, which is why airlines are so eager to enforce them. Remove any doubt before travelling by weighing your bags at home. Frequent flyers might consider investing in a specialized luggage-weighing hook (these can be bought for around $10). Otherwise, weigh luggage at home by picking up the suitcase and stepping on a regular bathroom scales. Subtract your body weight from the total weight on the display to find the mass of the luggage. Hand luggage is usually bound by dimensions as well as weight, ostensibly to fit in the plane’s overhead lockers. Use a rule to double-check that the dimensions of your hand luggage comply with the restrictions given on the airline website.
Following these tips to avoid holding up the line, or even worse, jettisoning possessions in the terminal to comply with baggage restrictions.
2. Arrive at the airport at least two hours before departure
This may seem like an obvious tip, but according to USA Today, between 2-8% of passengers miss their flights. The general rule of thumb is for domestic flights, arrive at the airport two hours before the flight leaves; allow three hours for international flights. As mentioned, delays at airports are not uncommon during the holiday season. The best bet is to arrive early, be ready to wait and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with it.
Keep an eye on the website or social media feed of the departing airport before you travel: updates, delays and travel advice will be posted there, helping you best plan your trip.
3. Prepare any hand luggage before entering security
As Forbes Magazine notes, one in every seven missed flights are due to delays in airport security. Security requirements vary somewhat between airports, but the usual procedure requires passengers to separate all liquids, gels and pastes into individual transparent plastic bags. Doing this before heading to the security checkpoint will make the experience smoother for you and your fellow passengers. Any non-solid items, aerosols or sharp objects are prohibited in hand luggage – if you realise last-minute that you’ve packed any, you can simply dispose of them in the bins immediately before airport security.
4. Don't buy all presents in the duty-free
While it can be tempting to leave present shopping until the last minute, it’s never guaranteed that you’ll have enough time in the airport terminal to purchase gifts. Even if you arrive early, delays in security or check-in desks are always a possibility. Busy December flights may mean also less space in the overhead lockers to stash newly bought gifts. Take the guesswork out of the equation and buy presents either before or after the airport.
Related: The Complete Guide to Airplane Wi-Fi
5. Download a travel eSIM before flying
If you’re travelling to a different country, a travel eSIM is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to get online when you arrive. These SIMs can be downloaded ahead of time, and automatically activate the minute you land in your destination, providing low-cost, reliable mobile internet as soon as you touch down - no more hunting around for airport WI-Fi or queuing for a local SIM card.
6. Make plans for the onward journey
Most people don’t live next to an airport. Just like flights, taxis and public transport are at their busiest during the Christmas weekend. Spare yourself any uncertainty on landing by planning the onward journey ahead of time. Train or bus tickets bought in advance are often cheaper as well. Most airports will have free public Wi-Fi to help you make any last-minute arrangements, or a travel eSIM can be used to get online abroad as soon as you land.
eSIM data plans
How to apply the BetterRoaming December 2024 Promo Code
Applying a promo code is quick and easy. All you need to do is scan the QR code to install your eSIM (it's free), then follow the onscreen instructions to enjoy 20% off selected data packages.
The code XMAS-PRM20 is valid throughout December 2024 (December 1 – 31) on all plans for the UK, Switzerland and Australia. Here’s how to apply it:
- 1
Scan the QR code
Unlock your phone and scan the QR to install your free eSIM - 2
Activate the eSIM
Follow the onscreen instructions on your device - 3
Click the link in the SMS we send you
This will take you to your personal dashboard - 4
Select 'Vouchers'
Click on the 'Vouchers' option in your personal dashboard - 5
If you've selected a data package for the UK, Switzerland or Australia, enter the code XMAS-PRM20
Then click on 'redeem' - 6
Your discount is now displayed in the Roaming Plans section
Click here for more information and detailed instructions
