Holiday airfare hits 10-year high as Thanksgiving and Christmas travel costs soar

Holiday airfares are on track for the highest levels in a decade, according to Hopper’s 2026 Holiday Travel Index. The analysis of a week of flight searches in September compares prices with last year, accounting for the timing of Thanksgiving. For Thanksgiving, domestic round-trip fares average $402, up 31% ($95). Christmas fares average $452 domestically, up 23% ($85). Internationally, Hopper cites increases to popular destinations in Europe, Mexico, and Central America: Mexico/Central America up 23% and Europe up 15%. Hopper links the rise to elevated jet fuel costs connected to conflict in Iran. The report says holiday 2026 could be the most expensive in ten years.