UK Christmas flight fares fall up to 39% in 2026, KAYAK finds
BKNG•Average UK return fares to selected destinations for Christmas and New Year travel in 2026 fell by as much as 39% year over year, with Atlanta fares down to £587. Six short-haul destinations averaged below £150 for return flights, led by Dublin at £127.
1. Fare declines
KAYAK found average UK return fares to selected destinations for Christmas and New Year travel in 2026 fell by as much as 39% year over year. Atlanta led the declines, with fares down 39% to £587; fares to Washington, D.C., fell 27% to £514.
2. Departure dates
Departures on December 23 averaged around £615, 36% below December 19, the most searched and expensive departure date. Six short-haul destinations averaged below £150 for return flights, led by Dublin at £127. KAYAK’s 2025 analysis found booking around six weeks before Christmas was cheapest, while prices rose 15% in the final week.
