Mid-Week Airport Rush: Busier On Wednesday Or Thursday?

Airports are generally busy on weekends, with Fridays during the summer months and Sundays being the busiest days. Tuesdays and Wednesdays are usually the slowest days for airports, with fewer people travelling mid-week. However, this can vary depending on the time of year, school breaks, and holidays such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, and July Fourth, which tend to be among the busiest travel days of the year.

Airports are busiest around holidays and holiday weekends

Major holidays in 2024 set new air travel records, with the TSA reporting its busiest travel day ever on July 7, when 3,013,622 people passed through security checkpoints. This record was surpassed on December 1, 2024, during the Thanksgiving travel rush, when the TSA screened more than 3 million passengers.

The AAA predicted that airports would be the busiest they've ever been over the 2023 holiday period, with 24.5 million seats departing from U.S. airports from December 21 to December 27, an 11% increase from the previous year. Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport saw the largest volume of holiday travelers, with nearly 1.5 million departing passengers over Christmas week.

The busiest days to travel also depend on the airport. For example, port cities like Miami might experience a burst of activity on Saturdays as vacationers on cruise ships return and head to the airport.

In general, weekends are the busiest travel days, including Fridays during the summer months. Airports tend to be busiest on weekdays in the early morning and early evening. Tuesdays and Wednesdays are usually slower, with mid-day being the slowest time of the week.

Flying early in the morning or late at night can also provide a quieter experience, as fewer people are familiar with airport routines.

Tuesday and Wednesday are the cheapest days to fly

While there is no definitive answer to which day of the week is the quietest in terms of airport traffic, it is generally agreed that Tuesdays and Wednesdays are the cheapest days to fly. This is because fewer people are willing to take time off work to fly mid-week, and midweek fares are often cheaper than weekends.

For domestic flights within the US, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays are the cheapest days to fly. Flying on these days is around 20% cheaper than flying over the weekend, according to Google's data. This is because many travellers head out for long weekends on Thursdays and Fridays and return on Sundays, and business travellers tend to fly out on Mondays and return on Thursdays or Fridays. As a result, airlines are eager to sell more tickets on off-peak days, leading to lower prices.

International flights follow a similar pattern, with Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays also being the cheapest days to fly.

In addition to the day of the week, the time of day can also affect flight prices. Generally, early morning, midday, or late-night flights are cheaper than those during peak hours such as mid-morning and early evening. Flying during off-peak seasons, such as from May to early June and September through mid-October, can also result in significant savings.

It is worth noting that while Tuesdays and Wednesdays are generally the cheapest days to fly, this may vary depending on the destination and specific dates. Additionally, last-minute flight deals are not common, and it is recommended to book domestic flights one to three months in advance to avoid price surges. For international flights, booking two to eight months in advance is advisable.

By choosing to fly on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, travellers can take advantage of lower airfare and a less hectic airport experience.

Friday through Monday are the most expensive days to fly

While there is no definitive answer to which days are the busiest at airports, certain patterns have emerged. Tuesdays and Wednesdays are often the least busy for air travel, with fewer passengers choosing to fly mid-week. This is because mid-week flights require travellers to take more days off work, which people are usually reluctant to do.

Conversely, weekends and holidays result in busier airports and more expensive flights, especially Friday evenings and Sunday mornings. Leisure travellers tend to fly on Fridays and Mondays, while business travellers often commute on Mondays and Fridays to return home for the weekend. Sundays can also be busy as business travellers try to get a head start on the week ahead.

Fridays through Mondays are the most expensive days to fly. This is because these days are in high demand, with leisure travellers looking to enjoy a weekend away, and commuters returning home or leaving for the week ahead.

If you want to avoid the crowds and high prices, consider flying mid-week. Tuesdays and Wednesdays are good options, as are Saturdays. By choosing these days, you can take advantage of lower fares and less crowded airports.

It's worth noting that the day of the week with the fewest flights might not always be the least busy. This is because the average load factor of flights (the percentage of seats filled) can vary, and a lower load factor can mean less busy airports even with more flights.

Additionally, the time of day you fly can also impact the busyness of the airport. Early morning, between 5 a.m. and 8 a.m., and late at night are often quieter, with fewer passengers familiar with airport routines.

To summarise, while there is no one-size-fits-all answer, Fridays through Mondays are generally the most expensive days to fly due to higher demand. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays tend to be cheaper and less busy, making them ideal for travellers looking for a quieter and more affordable experience.

The best time to fly is mid-afternoon

When it comes to air travel, there are certainly better times to fly than others. While there may not be a definitive answer for the quietest day of the week to fly, mid-week tends to be the least busy. So, if you're looking to avoid the crowds, Wednesdays are a good option.

Now, let's focus on why mid-afternoon is the best time to fly on a Wednesday. Firstly, it is important to understand the general ebb and flow of airport traffic. Airports tend to mirror the flow of traffic on highways, with peak times in the early morning as business travellers rush to catch their flights and again in the early evening as people return from their trips. Therefore, aiming for a flight that departs outside of these peak times can already reduce the potential for delays.

Mid-afternoon, specifically the window between 1 pm and 4 pm, is often an ideal time to fly. This time of day usually sees fewer crowds, as it falls outside the rush of early morning and evening flights. Additionally, mid-afternoon flights can be more convenient for several reasons. Firstly, you may have more time to prepare for your trip, avoiding the need for a rushed morning departure. Secondly, if you're travelling with children, a mid-afternoon flight can work well with their schedules, avoiding potential meltdowns during busy morning or late-night travel.

Furthermore, choosing a mid-afternoon flight can also benefit your time at the airport. With fewer crowds, you may encounter shorter lines at security and have more time to relax in the airport lounge or grab a bite to eat before boarding. This time of day also provides flexibility if you encounter any travel delays en route to the airport. Should you face unexpected traffic or other delays, a mid-afternoon flight gives you a buffer to ensure you arrive at the airport on time.

While Wednesdays and mid-afternoon are generally good choices for quieter travel, it is always a good idea to research the specific airport you'll be flying from. Some airports may have unique peak times or busy days influenced by factors such as vacation patterns or local events. Checking real-time security wait times and historical data on the airport's website or through dedicated apps can provide valuable insights.

In summary, choosing a mid-afternoon flight on a Wednesday can significantly improve your travel experience by reducing crowds and providing a more relaxed and flexible travel schedule. So, the next time you're booking a trip, consider opting for a Wednesday mid-afternoon flight, and don't forget to check the specific airport's trends to ensure a smooth journey.

The least busy time to fly is mid-week

If you want to avoid the crowds at the airport, it's best to fly mid-week. Tuesdays and Wednesdays are usually the slowest days for air travel, as fewer people are travelling for business or leisure. This means shorter security lines and less congestion.

People tend to fly at the start or end of the work week for business, and at the end or start of the weekend for leisure. Tuesdays and Wednesdays are less popular because they are neither the beginning nor the end of the work week, and they are not adjacent to the weekend. This means that people usually have to take more days off work to fly mid-week, which most people are reluctant to do.

Busiest times at airports

In contrast, weekends and holidays are the busiest and most expensive times to fly. Friday evenings and Sunday mornings are particularly busy, as leisure travellers tend to go away for the weekend and return on Sunday. Holiday weekends are also extremely busy, with the days before and after Thanksgiving among the busiest travel days of the year.

Other tips for avoiding crowds

If you can't fly mid-week, there are other ways to avoid the crowds. Travelling early in the morning (before 8 am) or late at night will usually be quieter, as fewer people want to travel at these times. You can also try to fly during the off-peak times of the year, such as February to April and September to November.

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