In short
The weeks around Christmas and New Year are peak weeks. In our Düsseldorf to Phuket data the departure week of 25 December cost 1,550 € against 657 € for 8 January. Book early or shift the trip by a week.
Demand peaks when many people travel at the same time. Airlines raise prices as seats sell.
🔴1,550 €Departure 25 Dec
🟢657 €Departure 8 Jan
🧭Düsseldorf → PhuketRoute
🔎Google FlightsSource
What helps
- Book early. For Christmas, many travellers buy in autumn.
- Shift by a few days. Leaving on 21 or 22 December can cost less than 24 December.
- Fly on the peak day itself. Flights on 24 December and 1 January are often quieter than the days around them.
- Return later. Coming home in the second week of January is often cheaper.
- Check nearby airports. See nearby airports.
If you must travel on fixed dates
Buy as early as you reasonably can and use a flexible fare if your plans may change.
Questions
Are prices lower in January? Usually yes, after the holidays.
Is Christmas Eve cheap? Often cheaper than the days before, but flights can be full.
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