Sachin Walls
Thanksgiving is a peak travel time in the US, with record numbers of Americans travelling to spend time with their loved ones. This year, the number of passengers screened in US airports has already reached all-time highs multiple times. So, when is the best time to fly during Thanksgiving week? While the Sunday after Thanksgiving is usually the busiest airport day of the year, Thanksgiving Day itself is the least crowded day to travel.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Busiest day to fly during Thanksgiving week | The Sunday after Thanksgiving |
| Least busy day to fly during Thanksgiving week | Thanksgiving Day |
| Third-least busy day to fly during Thanksgiving week | Black Friday |
| Least busy day to travel post-Thanksgiving | The Wednesday after Thanksgiving |
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What You'll Learn
Thanksgiving Day is the least busy day to fly
Thanksgiving is one of the busiest travel times in the US. In 2024, US airports have already seen record-setting numbers of passengers, with the Sunday after Thanksgiving being the most crowded day to fly.
However, Thanksgiving Day itself is the least busy day to fly. Data from the Transportation Security Administration shows that for the period from the Thursday before to the Thursday after Thanksgiving, Thanksgiving Day is the least crowded travel day at airports. In 2023, 2.9 million people crossed US airport security checkpoints on the Sunday after Thanksgiving, while on Thanksgiving Day itself, only 1.5 million people were at the airport.
Flying on Thanksgiving Day can be a good option for those seeking to avoid the crowds and chaos of the airport. It can also be a cheaper option, with domestic airfare for Thanksgiving Day being the lowest of the entire holiday week.
If you are looking to avoid the busy airports during the Thanksgiving period, Thanksgiving Day is the best day to fly. It is also recommended to travel during off-peak hours, such as early mornings or late evenings, to further avoid the worst of the congestion.
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The Sunday after Thanksgiving is the busiest day to fly
Thanksgiving is one of the busiest times for travel in the US, with airports seeing record-setting numbers of passengers. The Sunday after Thanksgiving is typically the busiest day for airports, with long lines and crowded conditions.
In 2023, more than 2.9 million people crossed through US airport security checkpoints on the Sunday after Thanksgiving, making it the busiest single day of the year. This number is expected to be even higher in 2024, with the number of passengers screened at US airports already reaching all-time highs multiple times.
The Sunday after Thanksgiving tends to be the worst day to fly, with crowded airports and higher flight costs. In contrast, Thanksgiving Day itself is usually the least crowded day to fly, with lower airfares and less congested airports. Flying on Thanksgiving Day can be a more relaxed experience, but it may also result in a reduced airport crew, potentially causing delays or cancellations if issues arise.
If you want to avoid the busiest travel days, consider extending your trip and flying on the Wednesday after Thanksgiving, which is typically the least busy day to travel post-holiday. Alternatively, having Thanksgiving dinner at home and then flying somewhere on Black Friday can also help you bypass the crowds and is generally the third-least crowded day to fly.
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Black Friday is the third-least crowded day to fly
Thanksgiving week is a notoriously busy time for airports, with record numbers of Americans travelling for Thanksgiving in 2024. The Sunday after Thanksgiving is typically the busiest day of the year for airports, with long lines and crowded conditions.
However, Black Friday is the third-least crowded day to fly during the Thanksgiving period. Flying on Black Friday is a great way to avoid the crowds, both at the airport and in retail stores. Thanksgiving Day itself is the quietest day for travel, with fewer people travelling and lower rates. The Wednesday after Thanksgiving is also a good option for those looking to avoid the crowds, as it is usually the least busy day to travel post-holiday.
For those who can be flexible with their travel plans, flying on these less crowded days can save money and provide a more relaxed travel experience. It is worth noting that travelling during off-peak hours, such as early mornings or late evenings, can also help to reduce congestion.
While Black Friday is a good option for those looking to avoid the busiest travel days, it is still important to plan ahead, especially with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) anticipating record-breaking travel numbers for the 2024 Thanksgiving period.
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Wednesday is the busiest travel day of the year
Thanksgiving week is a notoriously busy time for airports, with record numbers of Americans travelling for the holiday. The Sunday after Thanksgiving is typically the busiest airport day of the year, with long lines and high airfare prices. However, the Wednesday before Thanksgiving is also mentioned as the busiest travel day of the year.
While Thanksgiving week is a peak travel time, the day itself, Thursday, is the quietest day for airports and travel. This is due to people wanting to spend the holiday with their families and the potential for higher prices and more chaos on other days. Thanksgiving Day is also mentioned as one of the cheapest days to fly during the holiday period.
The Wednesday after Thanksgiving is, on average, the quietest day to travel post-holiday. This is especially true for those who can work remotely and don't need to take vacation days. Black Friday is also a good day to travel, as it is the third-least crowded day to fly on average.
To avoid the worst of the Thanksgiving travel crowds, experts recommend travelling during off-peak hours, such as early mornings or late evenings. It is also recommended to be flexible with scheduling, as this can save money and help to avoid the chaos.
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Thanksgiving week draws major airport crowds
Thanksgiving week is one of the busiest travel times in the US, with crowded airports and long lines. In 2024, the number of passengers screened in US airports has already reached all-time highs on multiple occasions. The Sunday after Thanksgiving is typically the busiest airport day of the year, with over 2.9 million people passing through US airport security checkpoints in 2023. This year, that day is expected to be Sunday, December 1st, which is also the most expensive day to travel.
However, some days during Thanksgiving week are less crowded than others. Thanksgiving Day itself is usually the quietest day at the airports during the holiday period, with just 1.5 million people travelling in 2023. It can also be significantly cheaper to fly on Thanksgiving Day, with an average airfare of $244 compared to $443 on the Sunday after. The Wednesday after Thanksgiving is also a good option for travellers, as it is, on average, the least busy day to travel post-holiday. Black Friday is the third-least crowded day to fly on average, so travellers can avoid both airport and retail crowds.
If you are planning to travel during Thanksgiving week, it is recommended to be flexible with scheduling, as this can save money and help you avoid the worst of the crowds. It is also worth considering travelling during off-peak hours, such as early mornings or late evenings, to further minimise traffic congestion.
With record numbers of people expected to travel for Thanksgiving this year, it is important to plan ahead. The TSA advises travellers to pack smart and start with an empty bag to reduce the risk of bringing prohibited items through checkpoints.
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Frequently asked questions
No, Thanksgiving Day is the least busy travel day of the holiday period.
The Sunday after Thanksgiving is the busiest day to fly during Thanksgiving week.
Black Friday is the third least crowded day to fly during Thanksgiving week.
Thanksgiving Day has the lowest airfare of the holiday week.
