When to Book Flights for Thanksgiving 2025: Cheapest Days and Dates of the Day

Thanksgiving is one of the most important holidays in the United States. Every year, millions of Americans travel to spend time with their families. This creates a huge demand for flights, making it one of the busiest travel weeks of the year.

In 2025, Thanksgiving Day will fall on Thursday, November 27. With schools closed and offices shut, everyone rushes to book flights around this time. And when demand goes up, so do ticket prices.

If you don’t plan ahead, you may end up paying double the usual price or even struggle to find seats. That’s why it’s important to book your flight as early as possible.

Using a travel tool like ExperianAirfare makes things easier. You can compare flight deals, check flexible travel dates, and get alerts on price drops. If you want to save both time and money, ExperianAirfare can help you book the right flight at the right price for Thanksgiving 2025.

Thanksgiving Day 2025: Date, Peak Travel Days and Why They Matter

Thanksgiving Day in 2025 is on Thursday, November 27, and the days around it are going to be packed with travellers. Based on past travel trends, the few days before and after Thanksgiving are the busiest and most expensive to fly.

Let’s break down the key dates:

• Tuesday, November 25: Most people start flying out on this day

• Wednesday, November 26: This is usually the most crowded travel day

• Sunday, November 30: Most return flights are booked on this day, making it the priciest day to fly back

During these peak days, airports are overcrowded, flight delays are more common, and airfares often skyrocket.

If you're someone who prefers stress-free travel and wants to avoid long airport lines and high ticket prices, it’s best to plan your flight outside these peak windows.

When Are Thanksgiving Flights the Most Expensive?

Airfares during the Thanksgiving period change a lot depending on your travel dates. The closer you fly to Thanksgiving Day, the more expensive your ticket usually becomes.

Many people make the mistake of booking too late or flying on the most popular days. This leads to high costs, especially for round-trip flights.

Here’s a quick look at what you can expect in terms of price:

Prices are likely to go even higher if you wait until November to book. That’s why experts recommend making your reservation at least 6 to 8 weeks in advance.

Using platforms like ExperianAirfare, you can set alerts and book your ticket when prices are lowest. This can help you avoid paying too much.

Cheapest Days to Fly Around Thanksgiving 2025

Just as there are expensive days, there are also less busy and cheaper days to fly during Thanksgiving week. Knowing these dates can save you a lot of money and reduce travel stress.

Here are the best days to fly if you want to keep costs low:

• Monday, November 24: Flying early in the week is usually cheaper

• Thanksgiving morning (Thursday, November 27): Fewer people fly on the holiday itself

• Friday, November 28: A great day to return with lower fares

• Saturday, November 29: Another good option if you want to avoid Sunday crowds

Flying these days could save you between $150 and $200 per ticket compared to peak days. That’s a major saving, especially for families booking multiple tickets.

ExperianAirfare helps you check these flexible dates and compare the best deals across airlines, so you can fly smart without breaking your budget.

When to Book Flights for Thanksgiving 2025

Knowing when to book your flight can make a big difference in price. Many travellers wait too long and end up paying more than they should.

For Thanksgiving 2025, the best time to book your flight is between mid-September and early October. This is when prices are still reasonable, and most flights are available.

If you book during this time, you’ll have more choices in terms of flight times, prices, and seats.

Here are some booking tips that can help:

• Book 45 to 60 days before your travel date: This window gives you the best balance between price and availability

• Avoid last-minute bookings: Prices can go up by 25% or more in the final two weeks

• Use flight tracking tools like ExperianAirfare: These can alert you when fares drop, so you don’t miss a deal

• Consider flying on flexible dates: Even a one-day shift can save you over $100

With ExperianAirfare, you can search across different airlines and use flexible date filters to find the most affordable flight for your Thanksgiving plans.

Smart Travel Tips for Thanksgiving Week

Flying around Thanksgiving can be stressful if you don’t plan carefully. Delays, long lines, and packed flights are all common.

To make your travel experience smoother, follow these practical tips:

• Fly early in the morning: These flights are less likely to be delayed

• Stick to carry-on bags if possible: This helps you skip baggage claim and avoid lost luggage

• Use online check-in and mobile boarding passes: Saves time at the airport

• Enrol in TSA PreCheck: Helps you move faster through security lines

• Choose smaller or less busy airports: For example, flying from Oakland instead of San Francisco can save you time and money

• Bring your own snacks and water bottle: Avoid overpriced airport food and stay hydrated

These tips can help you feel more in control during your journey. When used with a smart flight booking tool like ExperianAirfare, you can make the whole experience easier and more affordable.

How ExperianAirfare Helps You Find the Best Thanksgiving Deals

ExperianAirfare isn’t just another flight search engine. It’s built to help you find the lowest prices fast. Here’s how ExperianAirfare makes Thanksgiving travel easier:

• Real-time flight comparisons: Check ticket prices across multiple airlines instantly

• Flexible date tools: View cheaper flight options a few days before or after your selected date

• Smart alerts: Get notified when fares drop, so you never miss a deal

• Filter by stops, airlines, and travel time: Helps you find what matters most to you

• Quick booking with secure checkout: No extra steps or confusion

If you’re flying for Thanksgiving 2025 and want to stay on budget, ExperianAirfare can help you make the right choices without the guesswork.

Also Read: Warrens Cranberry Festival Guide

Conclusion:

Thanksgiving Day 2025 falls on Thursday, November 27, and it’s going to be a busy week at airports across the country. With so many people flying to see their families, ticket prices are expected to rise quickly. The most expensive days to fly are November 25, 26, and 30, while cheaper travel days include November 24, Thanksgiving morning itself, and November 28. To get the best deal, plan your trip early, fly on off-peak days, and avoid booking at the last minute.

By using a smart platform like ExperianAirfare, you can track fare changes, compare airline prices, and pick flexible travel dates that fit your schedule and budget. Booking ahead doesn’t just save you money, it gives you peace of mind during one of the busiest travel times of the year. So don’t wait. Book your Thanksgiving 2025 flights today with ExperianAirfare and enjoy a smooth, affordable trip with fewer surprises and more holiday cheer.

FAQs:

1. What day should I avoid flying during Thanksgiving 2025?

The most expensive and crowded day to fly will likely be Sunday, November 30, 2025. Avoid this date if possible, as prices and delays are both expected to be high.

2. Can I get a good flight deal if I book a week before Thanksgiving 2025?

It’s possible, but not likely. Booking just a week before Thanksgiving may cost you 25–40% more than if you booked in advance. Most low fares are gone by early November.

3. Do flights get cheaper on Thanksgiving Day itself?

Yes, flying on the morning of Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 27, is often cheaper. Fewer people travel that day, so airlines drop fares for early flights.

4. What are the best airports to fly from if I want to avoid long lines?

Secondary airports like Oakland (OAK), Burbank (BUR), or Baltimore (BWI) are often less crowded than major hubs and can offer cheaper and faster options.

5. How does ExperianAirfare help with Thanksgiving travel planning?

ExperianAirfare helps by showing you the lowest fares from many airlines, letting you view prices across multiple dates, and sending price-drop alerts to your inbox or phone.