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

5. Use weekday departures: Monday–Wednesday often cut costs

Weekday travel usually beats weekend pricing, and the holiday period is no exception. Research from travel publishers shows Monday through Wednesday domestic departures can be about 13% cheaper on average than weekend travel, thanks to lower leisure demand and fewer business travelers on certain routes. For Christmas travel, choosing a midweek outbound or return lets you avoid much of the weekend congestion and pricier seats. This rule works best when you have flexibility on arrival times: flying midweek can mean earlier or later departures that fit a work-and-travel rhythm. Combine weekday selection with the recommended booking window—roughly 32 to 73 days before departure—to maximize the odds of a low fare. Remember that some routes with heavy business or airport hub traffic might not follow the midweek discount pattern exactly, so check several date combinations and nearby airports to confirm the best midweek option for your trip.