Christmas is one of the busiest and most expensive travel periods worldwide but that doesn’t mean you can’t still score cheap last-minute flights. Whether you’re traveling home or planning a year-end vacation, there are smart strategies you can use to save hundreds of dollars even in late December.
Here’s your guide to finding affordable Christmas flights in 2025.
1. Check Your Flight Status Constantly
Flight schedules are changing rapidly during the shutdown. Use your airline’s official app or website for real-time updates, gate changes, and delays. Avoid relying solely on third-party flight tracking sites, as they may not reflect last-minute adjustments.
2. Stay Flexible
Many airlines are offering no-fee rebooking or refunds for flights impacted by the shutdown. Take advantage of these options — consider alternative routes, dates, or even nearby airports to keep your travel plans on track. Flexibility is your best friend in a disrupted travel environment.
3. Arrive Early
Staffing shortages at TSA and among air traffic controllers mean longer lines and slower processing. Plan ahead:
- Domestic flights: Arrive at least 2.5 hours before departure.
- International flights: Arrive at least 3.5 hours early.
Extra time ensures you’re not rushed and reduces the risk of missing your flight.
4. Pack Essentials in Your Carry-On
If your checked luggage is delayed, having the right items in your carry-on can save the day. Include:
- Snacks and water
- Medications
- Chargers for phones or laptops
- A change of clothes
Being prepared for delays keeps your journey smoother and more comfortable
2. Use Loyalty Points and Miles for Last-Minute Christmas Travel
Christmas is one of the best times of the year to put your travel points to work. Airlines often release discounted award seats as the holidays approach, giving savvy travelers the chance to fly for a fraction of the usual miles.
- Delta SkyMiles: Delta often releases last-minute award seats to fill unsold planes.
- United MileagePlus: Keep an eye on United’s “Saver Awards” for discounted redemptions.
- American AAdvantage: Holiday travel can be pricey in cash — award flights can be a game-changer.
- Southwest Rapid Rewards: Southwest sometimes offers points sales or reduced award options during the Christmas season.
- Travel Credit Card Portals: Chase, American Express, and Capital One travel portals often feature special point deals or promotions, allowing you to book flights at 40–70% fewer points than usual.
3. Know the Best Late Booking Window for Christmas Flights
Even when booking late, timing matters.
- Cheapest last-minute Christmas fares appear 14–28 days before travel.
- Major price drops often occur after the second week of December.
- Flying Dec 24 or Dec 25 is usually hundreds cheaper than Dec 20–23.
Monitor prices daily — good deals disappear fast.
4. Pair Your Flight With Budget-Friendly Christmas Destinations
Choosing the right destination makes a huge difference in holiday travel costs. Save money by focusing on locations with naturally cheaper flights and lodging.
This guide includes affordable Christmas hotspots like:
- Lisbon
- Mexico City
- Bali
- Prague
- Cape Town
- Buenos Aires
Pairing your cheap flight with a cheap destination = maximum savings.
5. Adopt a Last-Minute Traveler Mindset
It all comes down to three things:
Be Flexible
Consider:
- Alternative airports
- Red-eye flights
- Off-peak dates
Flexibility = cheaper tickets.
Act Fast
December deals don’t last long. When you see a good fare, book immediately.
Use Deal Alerts
Set alerts on:
- Google Flights
- Skyscanner
- Hopper
- Kayak Explore
These tools can notify you the moment a Christmas fare drops.
Key Takeaways
- Fly budget airlines like Spirit, Frontier, Allegiant, PLAY, Wizz Air, Volotea, and Norwegian for holiday discounts.
- Use loyalty points to book last-minute seats at huge savings.
- Monitor December fare trends and stay flexible.
- Pick destinations with naturally low Christmas prices for even bigger savings.
- Move quickly when deals appear — late December travel is competitive
