Labor Day Flight Sales 2025: How to Save on Fall, Thanksgiving & Christmas Travel

Labor Day isn’t just about backyard barbecues and one last dip in the pool—it’s also one of the best weekends of the year to book cheap flights for fall getaways, Thanksgiving trips, and even Christmas travel. Airlines and booking platforms roll out Labor Day flight sales that savvy travelers can grab now to lock in lower fares before the holiday surge.

If you’ve been dreaming of a leaf-peeping trip in October, a stress-free visit home for Thanksgiving, or a magical Christmas escape, this guide will help you save money, book smarter, and get the most out of this holiday booking window.

Did you know? Nearly 30 million Americans take to the skies over Thanksgiving week alone. ✈️ No wonder airports feel like a reunion in motion.

Why Labor Day Weekend Is the Best Time to Book Flights

  • ✈️ Airfares drop after summer. Domestic fares are down 7–8% compared to last year, averaging around $408 roundtrip. International tickets are also trending lower, averaging about $859.

  • 👭 Perfect for planning girls’ trips. Peak summer crowds are gone, and October weekends are some of the most affordable times to fly.

  • 🗓️ Holiday timing matters. Labor Day is your “golden window” to book Thanksgiving and Christmas flights before prices spike in mid-October.

💡 Pro Tip: Compare fares across multiple sites. I personally use Expedia, Skyscanner, and Thrifty Traveler Premium to make sure I’m getting the lowest fare before I book.

Best Time to Book: Fall, Thanksgiving & Christmas Flights

Here’s your holiday airfare cheat sheet:

1. Expedia Flight Deals

  • Labor Day promos on domestic + international flights

  • Easy to bundle flight + hotel for more savings

  • Great for booking ahead for Thanksgiving & Christmas

2. Thrifty Traveler Premium

  • Flight deal alert service that notifies you when a price drops

  • Amazing for spotting “mistake fares” or last-minute flash sales

  • Perfect for anyone who doesn’t have time to keep searching

  • Add Promotion Code: GRATEFUL when downloading this app for membership discount.

3. Skyscanner Explore Feature

  • Type in “Everywhere” and see where you can go cheapest this fall

  • Great for girls’ weekends, romantic couple’s getaways or just spontaneous October trips

  • Filters by month so you can plug in October, November, or December

4. Google Flights (Free Tool)

  • Plug in your “dream trip” and see suggested dates & lowest fares

  • Helpful for visual planners and flexible travelers

    Note: Just click on any of the underlined links above, and it will take you directly to the page where you can explore, compare, and book your travel options.

Top Fall Weekend Getaways Ideas

Looking for inspiration? Here are some trending fall destinations you can book right now with Labor Day flight sales:

  • Savannah, Georgia – cobblestone streets, rooftop cocktails, and historic ghost tours. Check packages on Expedia.

  • Napa Valley, California – vineyard views, spa retreats, and golden-hour wine tastings. Compare weekend fares with Skyscanner.

  • Bend, Oregon – outdoor hikes, craft breweries, and mountain foliage. Watch for alerts from Thrifty Traveler.

  • San Juan, Puerto Rico – passport-free getaway with beaches, colorful streets, and rainforest hikes. Book flight + hotel together on Expedia.

  • Cape May, New Jersey – cozy inns, seaside strolls, and Victorian charm.

  • Victoria, British Columbia – gardens, tea culture, and harbor views.

  • Rocky Mountain National Park / Estes Park, Colorado – golden aspens, mountain hikes, elk bugling, and crisp alpine air. Fall here feels magical.

  • Asheville, North Carolina – Blue Ridge Parkway foliage drives, craft breweries, art scene, and the Biltmore Estate.

  • Sedona, Arizona – stunning red rocks, vortex hikes, and spa retreats—ideal for combining adventure + relaxation.

Coach’s Corner: Travel With Intention

Travel isn’t just about where you go—it’s about what you’re seeking.

  • 🌲 Need renewal? Book a fall foliage hike in Oregon or Vermont.

  • 💛 Craving connection? Share Thanksgiving in a new city.

  • Seeking joy? Let Christmas lights and snowy escapes bring back childlike wonder.

Labor Day sales are your invitation to plan ahead—not just for trips, but for memories you’ll carry long after the season ends.

Final Tips for Booking Smarter

  • Fly on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Saturdays for the cheapest fares.

  • Bundle flights + hotels for extra savings.

  • Set price alerts—let Thrifty Traveler or Google Flights do the tracking for you.

  • Book Thanksgiving by early October and Christmas by Halloween to avoid last-minute price hikes.

✨ Don’t just read about the deals—grab them while they last!

Here are my favorite tools I personally use when booking for myself and my clients:

  • 👉 Find Labor Day Flight + Hotel Packages on Expedia

  • 👉 Compare Cheapest Flights with Skyscanner

  • 👉 Sign up for Thrifty Traveler Premium Alerts - Don’t forget to use Discount Code: Grateful

Happy Travels! ✈️

Esbenia Overbeck
Life Coach + Adventure Travel Coach
📸 @grateful4living_lifecoach
🌐 www.gratefulforliving.com

🌍 My Travel Favorites

I’m often asked what gear and apparel I use when I travel and hike. Here are my hand-picked favorites—tested on trails, planes, and everywhere in between:

Affiliate Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you book through my links—at no extra cost to you. I only share tools I use and trust to help you travel smarter.

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Chapter 2: Roadtrip Campgrounds, Hotels & Some Rookie RV Mistakes