Quantcast

Many Americans plan more holiday travel in 2025 despite price concerns

Air India Warned Over Crew Fatigue and Training Failures Following Fatal Crash
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy may deny flights from Mexico over broken aviation agreement
Plane Makes Emergency Landing After ‘Unruly’ Passenger Attempts to Open Exit Door Mid-Flight
American Airlines Launches Ultra‑Long‑Haul DFW–Manila Flights
Thousands of flights canceled or delayed across America's busiest airports
Emirates operates with SAF at London Heathrow Airport
British Airways Introduces Brunch Service on Long-Haul Flights
AirAsia FREE SEATS is BACK! - Book Cheap Flight now!
FAA Investigating After JetBlue Plane Skids Off Runway
Virgin Atlantic Offers Family-Friendly Holiday Packages
The Billion-Dollar Outlier That's Rescuing San Francisco Tourism
New Heathrow Security Rule Makes Packing Bags Easier for Travelers
Alaska Airlines Adding More Boeing 787 to Boost Seattle Hub
Ryanair cancels 170 flights, disrupts over 30,000 passengers on French ATC strike
What to Know About Travel to Europe During This Record-Breaking Heatwave
Airport Workers Save the Day After Woman Loses Diamond from Her Engagement Ring in Baggage Carousel
I never talk to strangers on the plane. After my dad died, a passenger helped me talk about my grief.
American Airlines reveals new summer route: Miami → Rome
Budget UK airline launches huge sale with £29 flights to 475 holiday hotspots – but you’ll have to be quick
Delta Passengers Can Book a ‘Last Mile’ Private Jet Charter to Europe This Summer
Honeywell Runway Safety Technology Selected by Southwest Airlines for Fleetwide Installation
Southwest Airlines Adds Cockpit Alerts to Boost Runway Safety
FAA Drone Detection Testing
This Airline Is Going to Start Handing Out $675 Fines to 'Unruly' Passengers: 'It Is Unacceptable'
Summer of savings? New analysis shows airfare has dropped significantly - The Points Guy
FAA Admits Uncertainty On Drone Numbers In U.S. Airspace, Raising Safety Concerns
Travelers are taking extreme measures and using hacks to avoid airline baggage fees
Pigeons Cause Chaos on Delta Flight
United Airlines’ Uniforms Get A Facelift—And A Political Filter
United Continues to Face Catering Chaos at San Francisco
Many Americans plan more holiday travel in 2025 despite price concerns
Research
Webp 4y3c2uk5jzblrqgbj84fllpqqnpc
Clint Henderson Managing editor | The Points Guy

A recent survey by The Harris Poll for The Points Guy indicates that many Americans believe they have missed the best opportunity to book holiday travel, but industry experts say there is still time to secure good deals. According to the data, the optimal window for booking Thanksgiving flights falls between late September and late October, while Christmas travel should ideally be booked around Halloween and no later than mid-November.

The poll found that 65% of Americans plan to travel during the holiday season this year, an increase from 51% last year. Younger generations, including Generation Z and millennials, are more likely than older groups to intend to travel and are almost twice as likely to plan international trips compared to Generation X and baby boomers.

Of those who intend to travel over the holidays, most (83%) expect to visit family or friends. More than half (55%) also plan a vacation during this period. Sixty percent of travelers say they will fly, with domestic flights accounting for half of these plans—up from 44% in 2024—and international flights representing just over a quarter.

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

The survey timing differed from last year’s: the 2025 poll was conducted in early September rather than October. This may influence some response patterns regarding planned travel.

Despite many travelers’ concerns about having waited too long, data shows that only 31% have completed all their arrangements so far. Among those who started booking, most report savings on hotels (51%), flights (42%), vacation rentals (34%), and rental vehicles (34%). However, prices for both Thanksgiving and Christmas flights are about 7% higher than last year according to Points Path data; fare drops are expected as prime booking windows approach in coming weeks.

Points Path is a browser extension that helps users compare cash fares with points-and-miles award rates in Google Flights by analyzing large amounts of search data on airline pricing trends.

One-third of travelers who feel they delayed booking cite waiting for lower prices or confirmation of plans with others as reasons. Experts recommend setting price alerts using tools like Google Flights and emphasize it is not too late to book holiday trips at reasonable rates.

The poll also highlights increased use of rewards programs: 88% of holiday travelers with points or miles plan redemptions this season—more often for hotels than airfare—and a majority intend greater use compared with last year. Enrollment in such programs has risen slightly since 2024.

When asked about priorities while traveling during the holidays, most respondents indicated price outweighed brand loyalty when choosing airlines or hotels.

Concerns about weather delays top traveler worries this season at 51%, up from last year's figure. Other issues include crowded airports (47%), flight delays or cancellations (32%), packing challenges (26%), lost luggage (26%), and transporting gifts (18%).

The Harris Poll surveyed over two thousand U.S. adults online in early September; results carry a margin of error of plus or minus 2.5 percentage points at a 95% confidence level.

Organizations Included in this History
More News

Flying Food Group, Inc. has announced the recipients of its 2025 scholarships, with all five applicants receiving awards this year.

Oct 23, 2025

Dnata, a global provider of air and travel services, has entered into a joint venture with Azerbaijan’s Silk Way Group to launch ground handling and cargo operations at Alat International Airport, located in the Alat Free Economic Zone in Baku.

Oct 22, 2025

Delta Air Lines has announced the release of version 7.5 of its mobile app, introducing new features aimed at making travel planning and management easier for customers during the holiday season.

Oct 22, 2025

The Fair Work Commission has ruled that a former employee of dnata Airport Services was unfairly dismissed and awarded $36,468.39 in compensation.

Oct 22, 2025

The 13th Annual Breast Care International Walk for the Cure took place in Kumasi, Ghana, drawing around 30,000 participants, including survivors, healthcare professionals, students, traditional leaders, and advocates.

Oct 22, 2025

The Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) has announced the closure of Terminal 5 to allow for a significant redevelopment.

Oct 22, 2025