If your holiday plans include taking flight whether for Thanksgiving, Christmas or New Year’s, you may already know this if you’ve already purchased your tickets. Holiday airfare is surging again this year and according to a new analysis, some airports are more expensive to fly from than others.
The research comes from Luxury France Tours, a boutique travel company specializing in custom private tours across France. Their team examined airfare data from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, focusing on the 50 busiest U.S. airports to see where travelers are paying the highest premiums during the holiday season.
And the results? Let’s just say Washington, D.C.–area travelers may feel this one.
The Most Expensive Airport This Holiday Season: Washington Dulles
Topping the list is Washington Dulles International, where the average ticket rings in at a steep $462.97. As one of the country’s major international gateways, Dulles sees heavy long-haul traffic, plenty of business flyers and limited low-cost carrier competition, three factors that keep fares sky-high, especially around the holidays.
Surprising Runner-Up: Salt Lake City
One of the biggest surprises in the study is Salt Lake City, which takes second place with an average fare of $450.03. While not a coastal mega-hub, SLC sees massive winter demand thanks to Utah’s world-famous ski season. Add fewer competing airlines and its role as a major regional connector and prices start climbing as early as late fall.
Major International Hubs Dominate the Top 5
Rounding out the top tier:
* San Francisco International ($445.13) – A high-demand hub for Pacific routes and tech travel.
* Charlotte Douglas International ($439.81) – American Airlines’ stronghold, where limited competition drives up fares.
* John F. Kennedy International ($431.52) – One of the world’s busiest international gateways, especially for Europe and the Caribbean.
These airports have something in common: Robust long-haul traffic, strong business travel demand, and a holiday season that pushes fares even higher.
But It’s Not Just Big Coastal Cities
Some of the most interesting insights come from airports not typically associated with sky-high pricing.
Take Kansas City International, which landed in seventh place at $423.86. With fewer carriers and limited route diversity, the city’s shiny new terminal hasn’t necessarily brought cheaper fares.
Even Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International (the busiest airport in the world), cracks the top 10 at $418.60. Despite its size, Delta’s dominant presence and a huge number of long-haul routes keep holiday fares elevated.
Holiday Travel Costs Are Rising Earlier Each Year
The study aligns with broader trends showing that holiday airfare spikes now begin 6–8 weeks before peak travel. Last year, the TSA recorded the highest travel day in its history, screening over 3 million passengers in a single day, a first for the agency. With holiday air travel volumes climbing year after year, experts expect similarly heavy crowds this season, even if official TSA projections for this year have not yet been released.
More demand + fewer remaining seats = higher prices … a holiday equation travelers know all too well.
What This Means for Your Holiday Trip
If you’re flying from one of the country’s major hubs, or even a smaller airport with limited airline competition, brace for above-average pricing. Weather delays, strong business travel demand and high fuel prices only add to the pressure.
For travelers still shopping for holiday flights, one simple rule applies: booking early is more important than ever.
Methodology
Luxury France Tours analyzed airfare data from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, focusing on the 50 busiest U.S. airports by passenger volume. Researchers calculated the average fare at each airport to identify where holiday travelers are most likely to pay a premium.