December’s a big month for flying, but it doesn’t have to mean big prices.
Whether you're heading home for the holidays, planning a last-minute getaway or escaping the cold, December travel can get pricey fast.
That's why finding a cheap flight matters. The earlier you book (or the smarter you search), the better your chances of saving.
From festive reunions to winter sunshine, whatever your reason to fly this December, we’ll help you get there for less - with flexible ways to pay, over 600 airlines to choose from and no hidden stress.
December’s when travel plans turn into memories.
It’s the season of festive get-togethers, New Year countdowns, winter wonderlands and sunny escapes. So if you're spending Christmas abroad, catching up with family or just taking time out before the year ends, there’s something about flying in December that feels a bit more special.
Some head for snowy cities and ski slopes. Others chase the sun in the Caribbean, Southeast Asia or the southern US. And for plenty of people, it’s all about flying home.
Whatever your reason, December is packed with opportunities to travel. Just be ready - the earlier in the month you fly, the better the fares.
Yes, but it depends when you fly.
Early December often comes with lower fares, especially before schools break up and the holiday rush kicks in. If you're flying between the 1st and 10th, you’ve got a better shot at a deal.
But prices usually jump mid-month. From around the 15th through to New Year’s Day, demand spikes, and so do the costs.
💡Top tip: Book early if you’re flying near the holidays - seats go fast and prices climb quickly.
A little planning can save a lot. December travel doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Here’s how to cut the cost without cutting corners:
Flying midweek or avoiding the school holidays? You’ll usually find cheaper fares. The more flexible you are with when (and where) you fly, the more deals you’ll see.
Our Best Fare Finder shows you the cheapest days to fly across the month, so you can pick dates that work for your budget, not against it. You’ll see real-time prices from over 600 airlines, all in one place.
Flying into or out of nearby airports can make a big difference. It's often cheaper and sometimes quicker too.
Use up any airline miles or loyalty points sitting around. And keep an eye out for special discounts or offers, especially on our flight deals page.
December’s the season for festive breaks, winter sun and end-of-year escapes. Whether you're flying home, heading for the markets or swapping snow for sand, here are a few top destinations where flights tend to cost less in December 2025.
Book your December flights from the USA with flexible Buy Now Pay Later options, including Affirm, Afterpay, Klarna, Sezzle, Zip and PayPal Credit. Lock in a great fare now and spread the cost over time.
Spread the cost of your December flights from the UK with flexible Buy Now Pay Later options, including Affirm, Clearpay, Klarna, PayPal Credit, Snap Finance and humm. Choose what works for you at checkout.
December isn’t just a great time to fly - it’s packed with seasonal events that make your trip even more memorable. From festive markets to sunny celebrations, here’s what’s worth adding to your travel plan:
From Vienna to Cologne, Europe goes all out in December. Expect twinkling lights, handcrafted gifts and plenty of mulled wine. It’s a magical time for city breaks with a festive twist.
One of the first major cities to ring in the New Year, and one of the most iconic. Fireworks over Sydney Harbour are world-famous and December flights are cheaper if you book early.
Picture ice skating in Central Park, the Rockefeller Centre tree and Fifth Avenue window displays. It’s peak festive mode, but fly early December for cheaper fares and smaller crowds.
Looking to escape the cold? The Canaries offer warm weather, low rainfall and December deals. Tenerife and Lanzarote are firm favourites for a relaxed, sunny Christmas.
Lock in the best December flight deals, pay your way and take the stress out of booking.
Start your search with Alternative Airlines and spread the cost with flexible payment options. Wherever you're flying this festive season, we’re here to help you get there - simply and smoothly.
We’re super proud of our Trustpilot rating, but don’t just take it from us. See why millions of others love booking their flights through Alternative Airlines
Flying in December? You could save even more with flight loyalty programs. It's a great way to stretch your budget during one of the busiest travel months of the year.
With loyalty rewards, flexible ways to pay and plenty of festive routes to choose from, December’s a smart time to fly and save.
It can be, but timing is everything.
The first two weeks of December often come with cheaper fares, especially before schools break up and holiday demand kicks in. Flying on Christmas Day or New Year’s Eve can also be cheaper than the surrounding peak dates.
But mid-to-late December is one of the most expensive times to fly, so if you’re travelling close to the holidays, it’s best to book early and be flexible with your dates to get the best deal.
Book your December flights around 2–3 months in advance - ideally by late October.
That’s when airlines are more likely to offer lower fares before the holiday rush. For international routes, aim to book about 70-90 days before departure, which usually means early to mid-October.
If you're flying for Christmas or New Year, it’s best to lock in your plans by the end of October or early November to avoid price spikes.
Yes, some airlines and travel deals include blackout dates in December, especially around the holidays. These are usually the busiest (and most expensive) days to fly, when discounts or promo fares don’t apply.
Common blackout dates:
To avoid the blackout dates (and save more), try flying earlier in the month or midweek.
The cheapest days to fly in December are usually Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays. Midweek flights often have the lowest fares, especially for international routes, where Wednesdays and Saturdays tend to be the best value.
Key low-fare dates in December 2025:
When to avoid flying:
If you can fly just before or during the holiday itself, you’re more likely to score a better deal. Use our Best Fare Finder tool to see the cheapest days to fly in December.
We recommend booking your Christmas flights at least 2-3 months in advance. Demand spikes quickly in December, especially from mid-month onwards.
If you’re flying between 20-26 December, prices start rising as early as October. The earlier you book, the better chance you’ll have at locking in a good fare and your preferred flight times.
Yes, but it depends on when and where you're flying. Early December is your best bet for last-minute deals, especially midweek. Closer to Christmas and New Year, fares tend to spike and seats sell fast.
If you’re flexible with dates, destinations or airports, you’ve got a better chance of grabbing a last-minute bargain. Use our Best Fare Finder to spot the lowest prices still available.
Book early, fly smart and take advantage of flexible payment options. Here are a few simple ways to cut the cost of December flights:
Planning ahead is key - December is one of the busiest times to fly, so the sooner you book, the more you’re likely to save.
If you're booking a flight in December and want to spread the cost, Buy Now Pay Later can be a smart option.
December is one of the most expensive months to fly, especially close to the holidays. Buy Now Pay Later lets you secure a good fare early without paying the full amount upfront. That means you can book now and pay weekly, bi-weekly or monthly, depending on the provider.
It’s especially useful if:
We work with trusted partners like Klarna, Afterpay, Affirm and PayPal Credit, so you can choose what works best for your budget.
Just make sure you’re comfortable with the repayment plan and check for any interest or late fees based on your provider and plan.
Last updated: 25 July 2025
At Alternative Airlines, we know every trip starts with a choice - to reconnect, to relax or to simply get away before the year ends. Whether you're planning festive travel or one last escape for 2025, booking your December flights shouldn’t be stressful.
That’s why we bring together smart tech, flexible ways to pay and real human support to make the journey from search to seat as smooth as possible.
December is your moment to make memories, and we’re here to help you find the right flight, spread the cost and book with confidence.
