The holiday season is already a stressful time to travel, but 2025 is predicted to present a whole new set of challenges. A unique calendar quirk and record-setting demand are converging to create what could be the busiest travel season ever. The good news? With the right planning and the right Private Aviation Advisor, you can still fly seamlessly through it all.
Why 2025 Will Break Travel Records
The data is undeniable:
- Labor Day 2025 set the tone for this coming holiday season. According to WingX data, Part 135 traffic (private jets flying under FAA rules for on-demand charter) was up over 7% in North America this year compared to 2024.
- Also according to WingX, summer 2025 as a whole saw increased Part 135 traffic globally.
- The TSA just set an all-time single-day screening record: 3,096,797 people screened on June 22, 2025, and the highest daily total ever recorded. This indicates that commercial air travel has become a poor option for any traveler who values efficiency and reliability.
Now layer this record-setting traffic onto a calendar that places both December 26, 2025, and January 2, 2026, on Fridays: two classic “return days” already prone to the highest levels of congestion seen all year.
“December 26th and January 2nd both fall on a Friday this year. It’s going to complicate travel in both weeks,” explains Steve Ciancio, Senior Vice President, Private Aviation Solutions at Magellan Jets. “If you leave around noon on December 26th, expect a delay. Book earlier in the morning or later in the evening, or work with your Private Aviation Advisor to find a day that will help you circumnavigate this traffic altogether.”
Why Booking Now Matters
Yes, at Magellan Jets you can book in little as 48 hours’ notice; but waiting that long almost guarantees compromises. Here’s what you gain by planning your holiday travel ahead:
- Better aircraft.
“The more time you give us, the better experience we can create, the higher quality aircraft we can provide, and the better probability of upgrading you to something in a larger cabin at no additional cost,” Ciancio says.
- Avoiding repositioning costs. Operators scramble to move planes last minute, often adding costly “dead-legs” that can double hourly rates. Booking now secures better-positioned jets.
- Flexibility for families. It’s common for unanticipated passenger needs to arise for Holiday trips. Early booking keeps interchange options open so you can upsize cabins when you add guests or gear.
- Calendar certainty. Magellan has zero blackout days and only five Advanced Booking Days (ABDs) left in 2025. With just five days’ notice, you will not pay a premium on your flight.
- Rate protection. Industry prices typically rise in Q4. Locking in a Magellan Jet Card now means you’ll fly through 2026 at 2025 pricing, saving money and securing guaranteed access. Additionally, as aircraft demand dwindles, Charter prices surge the closer you book to your departure.
What Happens If You Wait to Book
- Inventory dries up. Aircraft owners usually release holiday schedules just 30–45 days out. By then, competition is fierce.
- Premiums surge. Waiting means joining a bidding war for limited lift.
- Operational “gotchas.” Curfews, daylight-only restrictions in the Caribbean, and weather-related airport diversions all become more costly when options are limited.
“Don’t wait until everyone’s realizing they need a jet for Christmas and New Year’s—you’re in a bidding war then,” Ciancio warns.
Pro Tips for a Stress-Free Holiday Flight
- Call your Private Aviation Advisor now: Share your headcount, baggage (skis, golf clubs, strollers), and preferred dates.
- Fly smart outbound: Target early-AM flights on Dec 24 or 25 to skip peak traffic or find another day entirely to avoid record-level traffic and potential delays.
- Pay attention to Advanced Booking Days: With five days’ notice, you’ll avoid premiums and keep guaranteed lift.
- Plan alternates: Your Private Aviation Advisor and Client Experience team is always on call to help you navigate unanticipated logistical hurdles that may come up. Aspen closures? Stage at Rifle or Eagle. Caribbean after dark? Land in St. Maarten or San Juan. Magellan clients value the peace of mind during the holidays knowing they will never be stranded.
FAQs: Holiday Private Jet Travel
Why should I book my holiday trip now if I can wait until December?
Waiting means fewer aircraft options, higher repositioning fees, and no chance of complimentary upgrades. Early bookings secure better aircraft and protect against surcharges.
What are Advanced Booking Days (ABDs)?
Advanced Booking Days are days where private jet operators require advanced notice to book peak travel days. Magellan’s Advanced Booking Days require five days’ notice but charges no additional premium.
What if I need to add travelers to my jet last minute?
Early booking ensures interchangeability into larger aircraft. Without it, you risk being stuck with too-small cabins or no upgrade availability.
How do rate locks help me?
Magellan lets clients lock 2025 Jet Card hourly rates now and fly through 2026, shielding you from typical year-end price hikes.
Can I cancel my private flight if plans change?
Not all operators allow cancellation without steep fees or a complete loss of your investment. Magellan Jets Jet Cards allow cancellations outside standard windows (48 hours or five days on ABDs) without penalty; something most ad-hoc charter doesn’t offer in peak season.
How many blackout days does NetJets have?
NetJets’ jet card program typically includes about 90 blackout days per year—meaning nearly one-quarter of the calendar is off-limits, including pivotal holiday travel dates. Magellan Jets offers zero blackout days, with guaranteed availability year-round.
The Bottom Line
2025 is set to be the one of the busiest holiday travel years in history, with record-breaking demand and unlucky Friday return dates. But your holiday doesn’t need to be stressful.
With early planning and the guidance of a Magellan Private Aviation Advisor, you can secure guaranteed aircraft, avoid surcharges, and even upgrade to larger cabins; all while locking today’s rates through 2026.
“A small timing change and a proper plan make all the difference,” says Ciancio. “Give us a little lead time, and we’ll engineer a much better holiday for you and your family.”
Ready to secure your holiday flights? Speak with a Magellan Private Aviation Advisor today to plan your trip.
About Steve Ciancio
Steve Ciancio is the Senior Vice President of Private Aviation Solutions at Magellan Jets. With over a decade of private aviation experience at Magellan, Steve is recognized for his ability to translate complex operational challenges into seamless, stress-free travel experiences for clients.
