Thanksgiving airfare skyrockets 31% as Christmas fares rise 23% over last year

Thanksgiving airfare is rising sharply, up 31% compared with last year, while Christmas fares have increased 23% over the same period. The report ties the broader fare jump to airlines trimming seat availability amid higher fuel costs and still-strong demand. Travel expert Gary Leff, author of “View from the Wing,” advises travelers to book when they’re ready, monitor for fare drops, and compare cash ticket prices with the value of paying with miles. The key takeaway is that pricing pressure is affecting multiple peak holiday windows, not just one travel period.