Looking back at the travel patterns for 2023, the absolute "best" day to fly to avoid the highest prices and the worst of the crowds was Monday, December 25th (Christmas Day). Historically, airports are significantly quieter on the actual holiday because most travelers have already reached their destination to celebrate the morning festivities. If you needed to arrive before the holiday, the Tuesday or Wednesday of the previous week (December 19-20) offered much better value than the "mad dash" that began on Friday, December 22nd. For those looking to return home, flying on New Year's Eve or waiting until January 2nd or 3rd typically resulted in lower fares and less stress. Travel experts often refer to the "dead days" of holiday travel—the actual holidays themselves—as the secret window for those who don't mind spending a few hours in the air in exchange for a half-empty plane and a shorter security line. If you were planning a 2023 trip, the most expensive and crowded days were consistently the Friday before Christmas and the Sunday immediately following it.