ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Holiday travelers heading to Asheville may find some welcome savings this season. According to new data from KAYAK, flights to Asheville Regional Airport are among the most affordable in the country, with average fares down 9 percent from last year to about $483.
Overall, flight searches on KAYAK are up 10 percent year-over-year, but domestic airfare has dipped 1 percent and international fares are down 7 percent, offering some relief for travelers bracing for busy airports and packed flights.
Asheville ranked among the top 10 destinations nationwide with the biggest airfare drops, alongside cities such as Myrtle Beach, Reno and New Orleans, according to KAYAK.
Holiday travel trends
KAYAK’s data shows that the best time to book holiday flights is between mid-October and early November. Rental car rates are also trending lower, down about 6 percent compared to 2024.
For international travelers, the best deals are to Asia, with fares to Japan down 29 percent and to Hong Kong down 23 percent.
Thanksgiving and Christmas forecasts
The busiest day for domestic Thanksgiving travel is expected to be Nov. 26, while the most affordable day to fly is Nov. 24, with an average fare of $415.
For Christmas, the peak travel days are expected to be Dec. 26-27, with Dec. 24 offering the lowest fares at an average of $393.
Top 10 destinations with biggest airfare drops, 2025 vs. 2024:
- Myrtle Beach, South Carolina: Down 18 percent ($342 avg.)
- Reno, Nevada: Down 15 percent ($414 avg.)
- Santa Ana, California: Down 14 percent ($382 avg.)
- Jackson, Wyoming: Down 11 percent ($583 avg.)
- Bozeman, Montana: Down 10 percent ($509 avg.)
- New Orleans, Louisiana: Down 9 percent ($377 avg.)
- Milwaukee, Wisconsin: Down 9 percent ($372 avg.)
- Vail, Colorado: Down 9 percent ($354 avg.)
- Asheville: Down 9 percent ($483 avg.)
- Key West, Florida: Down 8 percent ($365 avg.)
For more details, travelers can visit KAYAK’s full Holiday Travel Insights report online.