US Holiday Travel Faces Rising Cost Pressures

Americans are becoming more cautious about Thanksgiving and Christmas travel as rising airfares, lodging prices and household costs strain budgets. A 2026 survey found 31% of adults do not plan to spend on flights or hotels, and the share expecting to travel fell to 42% from 45% last year, though some may still travel by car or stay with relatives. Higher jet-fuel costs and fewer low-cost flight options are contributing to what fare analysts describe as an unusually expensive holiday season, prompting some travelers to reconsider trips or limit who joins them. Hawaii is also seeing weaker demand, with some hotels reporting bookings about 15% behind last year and concerns that softer holiday travel could persist into early 2027.