October 25, 2025

Holiday Airfare Drops 19% for Southern States

Newark, October 25, 2025

News Summary

Holiday airfare prices have dropped by 19% compared to previous seasons, creating opportunities for travelers, particularly in Southern states like Florida and Texas. Some key deals include roundtrip flights to Orlando for as low as $38 and Dallas-Fort Worth for around $80. Industry experts suggest travelers remain flexible with dates and airports to potentially save an additional 20-30%. With an expected 4% increase in holiday travel, preparation is key to avoid delays at busy airports during the chaotic travel period.

Newark — Holiday airfare for the seasons around Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day has decreased by 19% compared to 2022-2024 prices. The drop has created widespread discounts for travelers, with the biggest deals found in Southern states, especially Florida and Texas.

Top-line details

Airfare reductions are appearing nationwide, but savings concentrate in the South. Key destination pricing examples include Orlando, Florida, with roundtrip airfare as low as $38, and Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, where the cheapest flights are around $80. Tampa, Florida, and Miami-Fort Lauderdale also show notably low roundtrip prices. Industry analysis notes that flexibility on travel dates or airports can deliver additional savings of 20-30%.

Booking guidance and traveler tips

Travel advisors recommend checking for deals 4 to 6 weeks in advance and up to 8 weeks ahead for the best pricing. Travelers are encouraged to check multiple airports in a region and look for departures on weekdays, particularly early and mid-week, to find lower prices.

Operational and security pressures at major airports

Major airports in New Jersey, California, and Florida faced significant chaos during Thanksgiving in 2025, an issue that echoed challenges from 2024. Newark Liberty International Airport was heavily affected by delays and cancellations due to a surge in travelers, outdated infrastructure, and staffing shortages. Long security lines and delays were also reported at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), San Francisco International Airport (SFO), and Orlando International Airport (MCO).

Contributing factors to delays and higher costs

Several systemic factors increased pressure on both pricing and operations. The impact of Trump’s tariffs affected ticket prices, increasing costs for airlines and leading to higher airfares. A government shutdown began in October 2025, further straining TSA and air traffic control resources, causing longer lines and disruptions. Newark experienced significant cybersecurity breaches in May 2025, raising concerns about digital vulnerabilities at airports nationwide.

Travel demand and airline performance

There was a 4% increase in holiday travel predictions for 2025, with millions expected to travel across major hubs, leading to potential delays and challenges. Spirit Airlines operated a high completion factor over Thanksgiving, indicating effective operational control, while advising passengers about security regulations for traveling with restricted items. Passengers were reminded that presents may need to be unwrapped during security checks, which could slow down processing times.

Market context and consumer outlook

One travel industry observer characterized the season as particularly buyer-friendly compared with recent years, noting that market conditions and airline seat availability contributed to lower headline fares. At the same time, operational bottlenecks and policy-driven cost pressures are likely to sustain some volatility in travel logistics and final ticket prices for passengers who do not remain flexible on timing and routing.

Practical checklist for travelers

Check fares 4 to 6 weeks before travel, and consider checking again up to 8 weeks ahead for best pricing.
Compare nearby airports and consider departures on weekdays, especially early and mid-week.
Allow extra time at major hubs: expect potential delays at Newark Liberty International Airport, Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), San Francisco International Airport (SFO), and Orlando International Airport (MCO).
Be prepared to unwrap gifts at security checkpoints and follow airline and TSA rules for restricted items.

What to watch next

Travelers should monitor airfare trends and airport advisories as the holiday season approaches. The combination of lower base fares in many markets and continued operational strain at busy airports suggests savings are available for those who plan and remain flexible, while others may face delays and added security or infrastructure-related disruptions.

FAQ

How much have holiday airfares changed?

Holiday airfare for the seasons around Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day has decreased by 19% compared to 2022-2024 prices.

Where are the biggest airfare deals?

The biggest deals are found in Southern states, especially Florida and Texas.

Which specific destinations offer major savings?

Orlando, Florida, with roundtrip airfare as low as $38. Tampa, Florida, and Miami-Fort Lauderdale, both offering low roundtrip prices as well. Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, where the cheapest flights are around $80.

How much can travelers save by being flexible?

Flexibility regarding travel dates or airports can lead to savings of 20-30%.

When should I book to get the best prices?

Advice for booking flights suggests checking for deals 4 to 6 weeks in advance, and up to 8 weeks ahead for the best pricing.

Which airports faced problems during Thanksgiving in 2025?

Major airports in New Jersey, California, and Florida faced significant chaos during Thanksgiving in 2025, an issue that echoed challenges from 2024.

What happened at Newark Liberty International Airport?

Newark Liberty International Airport was heavily affected by delays and cancellations due to a surge in travelers, outdated infrastructure, and staffing shortages.

Were other major airports affected?

Long security lines and delays were also reported at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), San Francisco International Airport (SFO), and Orlando International Airport (MCO).

What broader factors affected fares and operations?

The impact of Trump’s tariffs affected ticket prices, increasing costs for airlines and leading to higher airfares. A government shutdown began in October 2025, further straining TSA and air traffic control resources, causing longer lines and disruptions. Newark experienced significant cybersecurity breaches in May 2025, raising concerns about digital vulnerabilities at airports nationwide.

What is the travel demand expectation for 2025 holidays?

There was a 4% increase in holiday travel predictions for 2025, with millions expected to travel across major hubs, leading to potential delays and challenges.

How did Spirit Airlines perform over Thanksgiving?

Spirit Airlines operated a high completion factor over Thanksgiving, indicating effective operational control, while advising passengers about security regulations for traveling with restricted items.

Any reminders for security checks?

Passengers were reminded that presents may need to be unwrapped during security checks, which could slow down processing times.

Feature	Detail
Nationwide airfare change	Holiday airfare for the seasons around Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day has decreased by 19% compared to 2022-2024 prices.
Top states	The biggest deals are found in Southern states, especially Florida and Texas.
Notable low fares	Orlando, Florida: $38 roundtrip; Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas: around $80 roundtrip; Tampa, Florida; Miami-Fort Lauderdale low roundtrip prices.
Potential extra savings	Flexibility regarding travel dates or airports can lead to savings of 20-30%.
Booking window	Check for deals 4 to 6 weeks in advance, and up to 8 weeks ahead for the best pricing.
Airport disruptions	Major airports in New Jersey, California, and Florida faced significant chaos during Thanksgiving in 2025; Newark Liberty International Airport was heavily affected; LAX, SFO, and MCO reported long security lines and delays.
Policy and security factors	The impact of Trump’s tariffs affected ticket prices. A government shutdown began in October 2025, further straining TSA and air traffic control resources. Newark experienced significant cybersecurity breaches in May 2025.
Travel demand	There was a 4% increase in holiday travel predictions for 2025.

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Author: STAFF HERE DALLAS WRITER

The DALLAS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDallas.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Dallas, Dallas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the State Fair of Texas, Deep Ellum Arts Festival, and Dallas International Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Dallas Regional Chamber and United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, aviation, and semiconductors that power the local economy such as AT&T, Southwest Airlines, and Texas Instruments. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.

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