Gift a Flight Ticket This Christmas (Without Spending a Fortune)

Want a Christmas gift they’ll never forget? Learn how to give the gift of travel with cheap flights using Aviasales, Kiwi.com & Hotellook.

Every year, the holiday season sneaks up on us with the same old question: What should I get them this Christmas? Sweaters, perfumes, gadgets—they’re nice, but they’re also… forgettable.

However, if you’re looking for something truly unforgettable, here’s an idea:

🎁 Give the gift of travel.

Just imagine your partner opening an envelope, not to find socks, but a plane ticket to Paris. Or, for example, your parents discovering that instead of another mug, you’re sending them to visit family abroad. Travel is, without a doubt, one of the few gifts that creates memories that last forever.

Best of all, with the right tools, it doesn’t have to cost a fortune.

Why Travel Makes the Best Christmas Gift

• Memories over things: Trips stay in your heart longer than material gifts stay in your closet.
• Personalized: You can pick a destination that’s meaningful—romantic, adventurous, or simply relaxing.
• Surprising: Nobody expects a flight ticket under the tree.

Yes, flights can be expensive—especially around the holidays. But here’s how to beat the system.

How to Find Affordable Flight Tickets for Gifting

Here are the best platforms to use when you want to surprise someone with a trip (without draining your bank account):

✈️ Aviasales

If you love flexibility, Aviasales is your best friend. It lets you search flights across multiple airlines and compare options instantly. You can even use the “Everywhere” search to discover which destinations are cheapest from your city.

👉 Pro tip: Set up price alerts now. If you start searching 3–4 months ahead, you’ll lock in lower fares before the Christmas rush.

🌍 Kiwi.com

Kiwi.com is amazing if you’re looking for creative, budget-friendly routes. Their algorithm mixes airlines and connections that other sites won’t show you, which often means you’ll find hidden cheap routes.

Even better: their “Nomad” feature builds multi-city trips for less than the price of a single return ticket. Imagine gifting your loved one not just one destination, but a mini European tour—without spending thousands.

🏨 Hotellook

What’s a flight ticket without a stay? Hotellook scans hundreds of booking sites to give you the best hotel deals. Bundle a cozy hotel stay with the flight and turn your gift into a complete getaway.

How to Wrap a Flight Ticket as a Gift

Since you can’t exactly put a boarding pass under the Christmas tree (unless you buy right before departure), here are some fun ideas:

• Print the e-ticket and slip it inside a festive envelope.
• Create a “Travel Voucher” with the destination and dates—make it look official.
• Wrap it with a travel accessory, like a passport cover or luggage tag, so the gift feels tangible.

Why You Should Book Now (Not in December)

Flight prices skyrocket as Christmas approaches. The earlier you search, the better your deals will be. Right now—3–4 months ahead—is the sweet spot to grab low fares before the rush.

Instead of scrambling for gifts in December, imagine yourself sitting back, knowing you’ve already secured the most unique present under the tree.

Travel Planning Tips

• Check passport/visa requirements early — you can even link to official government sites.
• Pick flexible tickets if possible so dates can be changed easily.
• Use price alerts on Aviasales/Kiwi.com to get notified when fares drop.

How to Make the Gift Exciting

• Create a “Travel Voucher”: Design a card with the destination, dates, and a fun message.
• Add small accessories: A passport holder, luggage tag, or travel guidebook makes it feel tangible.
• Countdown: Include a cute countdown card “X days until your trip!”

Budget & Cost-Saving Advice

• Book flights and hotels 3–4 months in advance for the lowest prices.
• Be flexible with airports, dates, or stopovers to find cheaper fares.
• Combine Kiwi.com’s creative routes with Hotellook’s discounted hotels for extra savings.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Double-check traveler names on tickets.
• Don’t forget taxes, baggage fees, or hotel policies.
• Avoid last-minute bookings — prices skyrocket around Christmas.

Optional Extras to Make It Special

• Include a small itinerary: Suggest a few activities, restaurants, or landmarks, and consider booking tickets in advance with Tiqets to skip the lines and make the trip smoother and more memorable.
• Gift travel insurance: My favourite is EKTA because it covers flight delays, lost luggage, and unexpected medical issues, ensuring the trip goes smoothly.
• Add a personalized note explaining why you chose this destination — makes the gift feel even more thoughtful.

Ready to Make This Christmas Unforgettable?

Skip the last-minute shopping stress. Open Aviasales, Kiwi.com, or Hotellook today, and start planning a gift your loved ones will never forget.

Because memories of a trip last forever—and that’s the kind of magic Christmas is really about.

👉 Don’t forget to check the best flight deals here:

• Aviasales
• Kiwi.com
• Hotellook

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I really buy a flight ticket for someone else?
Yes! To begin with, when booking, just make sure the traveler’s name matches their passport or ID. In addition, you can pay with your own card—no problem.

2. What if they can’t travel on the dates I choose?
Many airlines offer flexible fares or vouchers. Alternatively, you can gift a “travel credit” via platforms like Kiwi.com so your loved one can pick their own dates.

3. How do I give the ticket as a present?
Simply print the e-ticket and put it in a festive envelope. For example, you can create a fun “travel voucher” or pair it with a passport cover or luggage tag for a tangible touch.

4. Will the traveler see how much I paid?
Nope! Rest assured, only you receive the payment receipt. They’ll just get the ticket details.

5. Can I add luggage to the gift?
Yes. Keep in mind that some low-cost fares don’t include checked bags, so make sure to select the right option when booking if you want to include luggage.

6. What if I make a mistake in their name?
Airlines are very strict—typos can cause issues. Therefore, always double-check the spelling before finalizing the booking.

7. Do they need a passport or visa?
Yes, normal travel rules apply. If you’re unsure, pick a destination that doesn’t require a visa for their nationality.

8. Can I include a hotel too?
Definitely! In fact, using Hotellook, you can find discounted hotels and bundle them with the flight for a complete Christmas gift experience.

9. Isn’t it cheaper to wait until December to book?
Not at all—prices almost always rise as Christmas gets closer. Instead, booking 3–4 months ahead is the sweet spot for the best deals.

10. What if I want them to choose their own destination?
Easy! Alternatively, you can gift a travel voucher through Aviasales or Kiwi.com instead of a fixed ticket. That way, they get the excitement of choosing their dream trip.

Check out these articles:

✈️ Flight Trackers 101: How to Track Flights Like a Pro in 2025 – Wanderlust

Best Flight Comparison Sites in 2025 (Tested & Ranked) – Wanderlust

Top 5 Flight Booking Hacks to Save Big in 2025 – Wanderlust