Holiday Airfare Reaches 10-Year High — Is Driving Actually Cheaper Now?
Holiday airfare has hit a 10-year high. Round-trip domestic tickets for Thanksgiving 2026 are averaging $402 and Christmas flights are $452, according to ABC News. That’s enough to make the trip home a bigger budget-buster than the gifts.
For plenty of travelers, that sticker shock makes a long road trip look like a bargain. Before you dust off the road atlas, though, it’s worth asking whether driving really saves money or just swaps one expense for another. Keep reading to find out.
Good To Know: 21 Costly Travel Mistakes That Can Drain Your Vacation Budget
Start Your Journey: Start Growing Your Net Worth With Smarter Tracking
When Driving Makes Sense
Plane tickets are priced per passenger, but a car’s fuel bill gets split among everyone who climbs in. A family of four chipping in on gas can come out well ahead, even with 2026 prices at the pump.
As of Nov. 2, the national average price for gasoline is about $4.17 a gallon, per AAA. Imagine a 500-mile round trip in a vehicle that gets roughly 25 miles per gallon — with the current gas prices, fuel could cost about $83. That’s far less than the average Thanksgiving round-trip ticket, and every adult in the car can pitch in.
That said, fuel is only part of the cost. Tolls, parking, meals on the road and wear on the vehicle bring the total higher. Driving also costs something you can’t make back: time. If the drive is long enough to require a hotel night, that goes on the tab as well. You have to budget for all of it, not just the gas.
When Flying Still Wins
For one person traveling a long distance, airfare might still be the better deal, especially if your drive will require an overnight stop. A straight-shot flight, or even one with a sizeable layover, can save you on time and the other costs of the road, especially when you can’t share the costs with fellow travelers.
To compare fairly, search for fares from your home airport to your destination, then add the extras: transport to the airport, checked bags and seat fees. Then put that total next to the full cost of the drive and see which makes the most sense.
The Bottom Line
Driving is the most likely way to save money when your holiday trip is relatively short and multiple people can share one vehicle (and its fuel costs). Flying, though, often makes more sense for solo travelers or groups who are going very long distances, especially once road costs and travel times are factored in.
Weather can change the equation, too. Icy roads are dangerous, and a major snowstorm can shut down entire airports. You can’t control the forecast, but you can control your budget. Compare the total cost for everyone traveling, check gas prices along your route and see whether shifting your departure or return date lowers the airfare.
With both plane tickets and fuel elevated, the cheaper choice will ultimately depend on your route and household size.
This article was provided by MoneyLion.com for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal or tax advice.
More From MoneyLion:
