2026 Holiday Travel Season Forecast
The 2026 holiday travel season is set to be the most expensive in a decade, according to an analysis by Hopper.
Airfares at Record Highs
Key Insights:
- Rising jet fuel costs, largely due to ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, have significantly increased round-trip domestic airfares.
- Airlines have responded by eliminating less profitable flights and increasing fare and baggage fees.
Price Breakdown:
- Thanksgiving Flights: Averaging $402 (up 31% from last year).
- Christmas Flights: Averaging $452 (up 23%).
Hotel Costs:
- Hotel rates for Thanksgiving remain stable at $170/night.
- Rates jump 18% to $197/night for Christmas.
Popular Destinations
Top Domestic Hubs:
- New York City
- Miami
- Orlando
International Favorites:
- Tokyo
- London
- Paris
- Bangkok
Trending Alternatives:
- Florida
- Hawaii
- Budget-friendly spots in Central Europe, Africa, and Oceania.
Adapting to High Airfares
Strategies for Travelers:
- Early Booking: Plan trips much earlier to secure better rates; ideally, book by Halloween.
- Avoid Peak Days: Travel on off-peak days like Black Friday or Thanksgiving Day to save on fares, especially avoid the busy Sunday after Thanksgiving.
Lowest Rates for Christmas: Departing on the Monday or Tuesday before Christmas is recommended.
Tech Influences in Travel Planning
The use of AI tools, such as ChatGPT, is on the rise, with 33% of adult travelers utilizing these technologies to assist in researching and planning trips.
Source: Insights based on Hopper’s 2026 Holiday Travel Index and contributions from The Associated Press.
