11 Smart Moves: Cheapest Day to Fly for Christmas (And the Day to Avoid)

10. Consider alternative airports and routes for savings

Choosing a nearby secondary airport can produce meaningful savings during the holiday rush. Major hubs often bear the brunt of holiday demand, which drives prices up. Smaller regional or secondary airports sometimes keep fares lower, especially on routes served by low-cost carriers or when carriers add seasonal flights. Factor in drive time, parking costs, and the reliability of ground transportation when evaluating alternatives—savings on the ticket can be offset by extra ground expenses or more complex connections. Also consider one-way routing through a secondary airport combined with a return to a primary hub, which can lower overall round-trip costs. For families and groups, weigh the convenience trade-offs carefully: the time saved at a nearby hub may justify the slightly higher fare, while budget-focused travelers will find secondary airports a strong lever for cutting holiday travel costs.