Holiday Travel: Cost Cuts Drive 31% of Americans to Stay Home

Sally French, a travel expert at NerdWallet, noted that Americans are watching their wallets closely this holiday season. According to the company’s 2026 Holiday Travel Report, 31% of the country plans to forgo flights and hotels. This figure represents a 22% increase in non-travelers compared to the previous year.

The decision to stay home coincides with a sharp rise in transportation costs. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that airline ticket prices have climbed 23.4% year over year. French attributes this surge to higher jet fuel costs, reduced flight capacity, and strong consumer demand. She added that the recent end of Spirit Airlines has been particularly difficult for budget travelers who relied on its low fares. French said the loss of that competition has led to rising airfares across the industry.

Other surveys confirm this trend. A joint survey by The Points Guy and YouGov found that 55% of respondents are not planning to travel for the 2026 holidays. Among those who do plan to travel, high airfare was the primary concern.

Not all Americans are staying put. The NerdWallet report indicates that 42% of the country will travel, with an average spending projection of $2,439 on flights and hotels. This spending amount has remained relatively stable since 2025, when 45% of Americans indicated similar plans. Parents with children under 18 show the highest intent to travel, with 62% planning to spend on flights and hotels. In contrast, only 33% of non-parents have similar spending plans.

Those parents are also actively seeking ways to reduce costs. Eighteen percent of parents with young children said they would book a less convenient route, such as a late-night flight or a bad connection, to save money. Only 8% of non-parents expressed a willingness to make similar sacrifices.

Credit card points are becoming a more common funding source for these trips. Approximately 26% of parents with children plan to use points for holiday travel, compared to 14% of non-parents. This data suggests that while many are cutting back, those who travel are looking for specific financial advantages.

The NerdWallet report details these shifts in spending habits and travel plans. The data highlights a clear divide between those who will pay premium prices to fly and those who will remain home to avoid the cost.