Thanksgiving is one of the busiest travel times of the year in the United States. Airports are packed, ticket prices soar, and travelers scramble to find the best Thanksgiving flight deals. But if you’re smart about your travel dates, cheap Thanksgiving travel is still within reach.

In this post, we’ll break down the cheapest days to fly for Thanksgiving, share tips for finding low-cost tickets, and show you how to make the most of your holiday without overspending on airfare.

Why Thanksgiving Travel Is Expensive

Thanksgiving falls on the fourth Thursday of November, which means millions of Americans hit the skies the Tuesday and Wednesday before and return home on Sunday or Monday after. This predictable surge in travel causes a spike in demand—and with it, ticket prices.

But if you have a bit of flexibility in your schedule, there are ways to work around this expensive window and secure cheap Thanksgiving flight tickets.

What Are the Cheapest Days to Fly for Thanksgiving?

Here are the best (and worst) days to fly based on airfare trends:

✅ Cheapest Days to Fly (2025 Thanksgiving Week)

1. Monday, November 24
   Flying early in the week avoids the mid-week rush. Monday tends to offer some of the lowest Thanksgiving flight prices.
2. Thanksgiving Day – Thursday, November 27
   Believe it or not, flying on the holiday itself can save you a significant amount. Most travelers prefer to arrive earlier, so airlines offer discounts to fill seats.
3. Friday, November 28
   The day after Thanksgiving—also known as Black Friday—sees a drop in travel demand, making it another budget-friendly option.
4. Tuesday, December 2 or Wednesday, December 3
   Flying home after the peak weekend rush (especially avoiding Sunday) is one of the smartest ways to save.

❌ Most Expensive Days to Fly

• Wednesday, November 26 (Day Before Thanksgiving)
  This is the single busiest and most expensive day to fly. Avoid it unless absolutely necessary.
• Sunday, November 30
  Everyone is trying to get back home before the work week begins—prices spike as a result.

Tips to Score Cheap Thanksgiving Travel Deals

1. Book Early—But Not Too Early
   Most experts recommend booking your Thanksgiving flight tickets around 6 to 8 weeks in advance. Last-minute deals are rare for holiday travel.
2. Be Flexible with Dates
   Use flexible date search tools on booking sites to see how changing your departure or return by a day or two can impact your fare.
3. Use Flight Alerts
   Set up airfare alerts on sites like Google Flights, Skyscanner, or Hopper to monitor prices and buy when they drop.
4. Consider Alternate Airports
   If you’re flying into a big city, check surrounding airports. For example, flying into Oakland instead of San Francisco could save you money.
5. Call to Book
   Sometimes online tools don’t show unpublished deals. Speaking directly to a travel agent can help you uncover hidden savings. Call now to get personalized assistance:

📞 US: +1-877-658-0930
📞 UK: +44-203-376-3406

Thanksgiving Flight Deals: Where to Look

There are a few go-to spots when looking for Thanksgiving flight deals:

• Airline websites – Sometimes the lowest fares are only available directly from the carrier.
• Online Travel Agencies (OTAs) – Sites like Expedia, Kayak, and Priceline can help you compare multiple airlines.
• Travel Search Engines – Google Flights and Skyscanner offer powerful tools for flexible date and destination searches.
• Discount Airlines – Don’t forget to check budget carriers like Southwest, Spirit, Frontier, or JetBlue. They often have last-minute promo codes or flash sales.

Extra Tip: Travel Light to Save More

If you’re flying on a budget airline to save money, be mindful of baggage fees. Traveling with just a carry-on can help you avoid extra charges and streamline your airport experience. Many airlines offer cheaper tickets when you don’t check a bag.

Also, make sure you understand the airline’s baggage policy in advance, especially with low-cost carriers. What may seem like a cheap Thanksgiving flight ticket can quickly become expensive if you’re caught off guard with add-ons like seat selection or overweight luggage.

Pro Tip: Combine Flights for Savings

Sometimes booking two one-way tickets with different airlines (known as “hacker fares”) can save you more than booking a round-trip on a single airline. This approach requires a little more research, but the savings can be worth it.

You can also look for “hidden city” ticketing (with caution), where you book a longer route but get off at the layover. While this isn’t officially recommended, some experienced travelers use this to cut costs—but be aware that checked luggage won’t follow.

Consider Traveling Off-Peak Hours

Another trick for scoring cheap Thanksgiving travel is flying at off-peak hours. Early morning and red-eye flights often cost less than midday options. Not only are these flights cheaper, but they also have a lower chance of delays—important during the chaotic holiday season.

Plus, airports are typically less crowded during these times, making your journey more efficient and less stressful.

Final Thoughts: Plan Smart, Travel Cheap

Thanksgiving is all about spending time with family and loved ones—but you shouldn’t have to break the bank to get there. By planning ahead, avoiding peak travel days, and being flexible, you can find cheap Thanksgiving travel options and still enjoy the holiday without the stress.

Remember, the cheapest days to fly are often:

• The Monday before Thanksgiving
• Thanksgiving Day itself
• The Friday after Thanksgiving
• The Tuesday or Wednesday after the weekend

Booking smart also means taking advantage of early-bird discounts and promotional Thanksgiving flight deals offered by airlines and agencies. With just a bit of planning and insight, you can travel comfortably and affordably.

For exclusive deals and help planning your Thanksgiving trip, don’t hesitate to call:

📞 Toll-Free (US): +1-877-658-0930
📞 UK Support: +44-203-376-3406