Looking for a way to get through the Christmas holiday travel rush without breaking the bank or losing your mind? Christmas is always a joyous time, but traveling during the holidays can be stressful and expensive, with crowded airports, long lines, and rising fares. To help you plan a smooth and budget-friendly trip, we’re sharing our top Christmas travel tips for 2025.
With 2025 expected to see record-breaking travel numbers, early preparation is more crucial than ever. That’s why we’ve created this guide at Remitly to share practical Christmas travel tips. You’ll find advice for booking flights, packing smart, and navigating busy airports in order to enjoy a stress-free trip.
Holiday travel advice: when to book
Planning ahead is the best way to lock in affordable fares and skip the holiday crowds. But how far ahead? When is the best time to book Christmas travel?
The “sweet spot” for booking
For 2025, the ideal booking window to secure cheap holiday flights depends on whether you’re flying domestically or internationally. If you’re traveling within the country, booking one to three months in advance usually offers the best combination of availability and price.
For international trips, airlines usually raise fares earlier, so it’s best to book three to six months in advance. Booking early during this window helps you avoid the price spikes that come as Christmas gets closer.
Avoid the peak days
Some travel days are usually more expensive and crowded than others, especially during the peak days of Christmas week. Try to avoid flying on December 23rd and December 26th, as these are two of the busiest and most expensive travel days of the season.
Choosing earlier or later dates, like December 20th or December 28th, often means better prices, lighter crowds, and a smoother airport experience.
Use price alerts
Airfares usually fluctuate daily, so using price-tracking tools can give you a major advantage. Setting up alerts on platforms like Google Flights, Skyscanner, and Hopper allows you to monitor fare changes automatically.
You’ll get notified the moment prices drop, helping you grab a good deal before demand pushes it back up. This can save you both money and hours of manual searching.
Smart packing strategies for winter travel
After figuring out when to book your holiday travel, the next step is packing efficiently for your trip. Here are smart winter travel tips for packing and flying.
Carry-on only
Whenever possible, stick to carry-on luggage to avoid the issues that come with checked bags during the busy holiday season. Lost or delayed luggage is much more common in December due to high passenger volumes, and waiting at the baggage carousel can add 30 minutes or more to your travel time.
Traveling with just a carry-on keeps your essentials close, helps you move faster through the airport, and reduces the risk of misplaced belongings.
Shipping gifts ahead
If you’re bringing gifts, it’s often easier to ship them directly to your destination rather than packing them in your suitcase. Wrapping paper, boxes, and bulky items take up valuable space, and security may require you to unwrap anything they need to inspect.
Shipping gifts frees up luggage space and helps you avoid potential Transportation Security Administration (TSA) issues. It ensures everything arrives safely without the extra weight.
Layering for comfort
Winter clothing can take a lot of space in your suitcase, so a smart strategy is to wear your heaviest layers on the plane, such as coats, sweaters, and boots. This frees up room in your luggage while keeping you warm during early-morning departures and chilly airplane cabins.
Layering also gives you flexibility. Add a scarf if you get cold or take off a jacket if you warm up, so you stay comfortable throughout the entire trip.
Navigating airports during peaks
Holiday travel crowds can turn even familiar airports into stressful challenges, so planning ahead is key:
Arrive earlier than usual
During the Christmas rush, lines at check-in, security, and boarding are much longer than usual. To avoid last-minute stress, aim to arrive at least three hours early for domestic flights and four hours early for international flights.
Giving yourself extra time helps you handle unexpected delays, find your gate without rushing, and start your trip feeling calmer. It also helps to check airport maps ahead of time so you know where restrooms, lounges, and gates are located.
Digital tools
Airline apps and airport tools are lifesavers during busy travel periods. Download your airline’s app to get real-time updates on gate changes, delays, or cancellations, so you’re never caught off-guard.
For example, apps like Delta, United Airlines, or British Airways can send push notifications the moment a schedule changes. Many apps also offer mobile check-in and digital boarding passes, which reduce waiting in lines.
Airport security tips
Security lines can be a major headache during peak season. Programs like TSA PreCheck and Global Entry speed up the process with dedicated lanes and lighter screening requirements.
Enrolling ahead of time can save you valuable minutes, or even hours, during holiday travel. Pack liquids, electronics, and essential documents in easy-to-reach spots to get through security even faster.
Managing delays and cancellations
Even the most prepared holiday plans can be disrupted, so knowing how to handle delays and cancellations is essential.
Know your rights
Airlines have specific policies for cancellations, delays, and rebooking, so it’s important to understand what compensation you may qualify for. Knowing your carrier’s rules on refunds, vouchers, or alternate flights helps you take action quickly when plans suddenly change.
Keep copies of your tickets, receipts, and any communication with the airline, as this documentation makes filing a claim much easier.
Have a backup plan
Holiday travel comes with unpredictable weather and crowded schedules, so having a backup option can save you from long delays. Whether it’s another flight, a train route, or even a bus connection, a secondary plan keeps you moving when disruption happens. Be sure to research alternative airports and routes ahead of time so you can pivot quickly if needed.
Travel insurance
Winter travel comes with unpredictable conditions, and peak travel demand makes travel insurance a smart investment during the holidays. A good policy protects you against common issues like delays, cancellations, or emergencies, helping preserve both your trip and your budget. Be sure your coverage includes holiday-specific risks such as lost luggage or missed connections for complete peace of mind.
Staying healthy while traveling
Keeping your body in top shape during holiday travel helps you enjoy the season without getting sidelined by illness or fatigue.
Boost immunity
Travel can be exhausting, so focus on your health by staying hydrated, getting enough sleep, and eating balanced meals before and during your trip. A well-rested body handles long flights, crowded airports, and sudden temperature changes far more easily.
Packing simple vitamin supplements can also give your immune system a small, helpful boost while you’re on the go.
Sanitization
Airports and planes see thousands of travelers each day, so bring hand sanitizers and disinfecting wipes to clean tray tables, armrests, and seatbelt buckles.
Washing your hands often and wiping down high-touch surfaces reduces the risk of picking up seasonal illnesses like colds and flu. Try to avoid touching your face, especially your eyes, nose, and mouth, to further limit germ exposure.
Wear a mask in crowded areas
Even when masks aren’t required, wearing one in packed terminals or on full flights can help reduce exposure to airborne viruses during peak winter illness seasons. Choose a comfortable, well-fitting mask so you can wear it for longer periods without discomfort. This extra step adds a layer of protection when traveling through high-traffic areas.
Move and stretch during travel
Long flights and extended car rides can lead to stiffness, fatigue, and general discomfort. Make a habit of stretching, walking, or flexing your legs during layovers, in the aisle on a plane, or whenever you stop during a road trip. Regular movement keeps your circulation flowing and helps you feel more energized when you reach your destination.
Travel smart this holiday season
From booking your flights early and choosing the best travel days to packing efficiently and protecting your health on the go, a little preparation can make Christmas travel far less stressful. Being ready for potential delays and knowing how to handle cancellations can also save you time, money, and frustration during the busiest travel period of the year.
With these tips, you can head into your holiday journey feeling confident and prepared for the challenges that come with peak travel. And if you need to send money to family and friends abroad, download the Remitly app to ensure your support reaches your loved ones safely and on time, adding even more brightness to your holiday season.
FAQs
What are the busiest travel days for Christmas 2025?
The busiest travel days are usually December 23rd, 26th, and 27th. Airports, security lines, and road traffic typically peak on these dates, making the experience much more stressful. If possible, try to travel a few days before or after to save time and avoid heavy crowds.
Can I bring wrapped gifts through airport security?
It’s advisable not to bring fully wrapped gifts in your carry-on luggage. TSA may need to unwrap them for inspection, which could damage your wrapping. Instead, pack gifts in gift bags or wrap them after you arrive at your destination.
Is it cheaper to fly on Christmas Day?
Yes, flying on December 25th is often cheaper and less crowded than the days surrounding Christmas. Airlines typically lower fares to fill seats on the holiday itself. Booking early still helps you secure the best prices and available seat options.
How do I handle flight cancellations during the holidays?
Use the airline’s mobile app to rebook immediately instead of waiting in long lines at the airport counter. Calling customer service while you stand in line can also speed up the process. Knowing your airline’s cancellation and compensation policies ahead of time makes rebooking much easier.
Are connecting flights riskier during the holiday season?
Yes, tight connections are riskier because delays are more common in December. Leaving extra time between flights reduces the chance of missing your connection. If you want a smoother trip, consider booking flights with longer layovers or fewer stops.
Is it better to fly early in the day during Christmas week?
Yes, early-morning flights tend to be less affected by delays since aircraft and crew are already positioned at the airport. Weather-related issues also build up later in the day. Flying early increases your chances of an on-time departure.