Ruth Haines
The day of the week has a significant impact on airport congestion and flight prices. Fridays and Sundays are typically the busiest days of the week at airports, with holiday weekends and Fridays seeing higher passenger volume. The Sunday after Thanksgiving is usually the busiest travel day at US airports, with Christmas and other holidays like Memorial Day and July Fourth also contributing to high passenger numbers. Leisure travelers tend to fly on Fridays and Mondays, while business travelers often travel on Mondays and Fridays. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays are generally quieter, with Saturday being the day with the fewest flights.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Busiest days of the year | The Tuesday and Wednesday before Thanksgiving, the Sunday after Thanksgiving, Christmas, Memorial Day, July Fourth, and Labor Day |
| Days with fewer crowds | Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday |
| Busiest days of the week | Fridays and Sundays |
| Least busy days of the week | Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday |
| Least busy day of the week | Saturday |
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What You'll Learn
Sunday is the busiest travel day after Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is historically one of the peak travel times in the US. The Sunday after Thanksgiving is usually the busiest airport day of the year. In 2021, 2022, and 2023, it was the busiest single day at US airports, based on TSA passenger data. In 2023, more than 2.9 million people crossed through US airport security checkpoints on the Sunday after Thanksgiving. This is compared to Thanksgiving Day, when about 1.5 million people were at the airport.
The Wednesday after Thanksgiving is, on average, the least busy day to travel post-holiday. Thanksgiving Day is the lowest-traffic day of the holiday period. The Saturday before Thanksgiving is the least crowded day to travel, followed by the Monday and Thursday before. The Wednesday after Thanksgiving is also one of the least crowded days to travel.
Thanksgiving travel tends to be packed, and the Sunday after Thanksgiving is one of the worst days of the year to fly. It is also the most expensive travel day for the Thanksgiving period, with domestic airfare costing 45% more on average. Flights on Thanksgiving Day are often less expensive than other travel days.
If you work a standard Monday-to-Friday work week, leaving after work on Wednesday and flying home on Sunday can make sense. However, this itinerary could cost you more money because the busiest days to fly are usually the most expensive.
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Fridays and Sundays are busiest for leisure travel
Fridays and Sundays are the busiest days for leisure travel, with higher passenger volumes than other days of the week. This shift can be attributed to the increase in weekend getaways and a rise in leisure travellers, while business travel trails behind.
Historically, Mondays were the busiest days at airports, with many business travellers passing through. However, with a shift in travel patterns, Fridays and Sundays now take the lead. This change is also reflected in the recent surge in passenger numbers at popular vacation destinations. For instance, the Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR) witnessed a 100% year-over-year increase in passenger volume, and Miami International Airport (MIA) reported its busiest day ever on March 20, 2022, with 167,000 travellers.
The busy days for airports are not limited to Fridays and Sundays. Holidays, especially Thanksgiving, Christmas, Memorial Day, July Fourth, and Labor Day, experience extremely high passenger volumes. The days right before and after these holidays, such as the Tuesday and Wednesday before Thanksgiving and the Sunday after, tend to be exceptionally crowded. Therefore, it is advisable to expect longer wait times at airports during these periods.
To avoid the crowds and potential delays, travellers can opt for mid-week flights, preferably on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, which are often less busy. Additionally, choosing to fly early in the morning or late at night can also provide a quieter airport experience, as there will be fewer leisure travellers, who typically prefer weekend flights.
While Fridays and Sundays are the busiest for leisure travel, it is worth noting that business travel is also picking up pace. As a result, airports may see an increase in passenger traffic on Mondays and Fridays as business travellers commute to and from their work destinations. Nevertheless, the current trend suggests that Fridays and Sundays will remain the peak days for leisure travel, impacting checkpoint lines and potentially causing delays.
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Weekends and holidays are busy and expensive
Weekends and holidays are typically busy at airports, with higher airfares and crowded terminals. Leisure travellers tend to fly on weekends, particularly Fridays and Sundays, for weekend getaways or to maximise their holiday time. Business travellers also contribute to Sunday congestion as they prepare for the week ahead. Fridays and Sundays are especially busy due to leisure travellers seeking weekend getaways.
The Sunday after Thanksgiving is consistently the busiest travel day of the year in the United States, with 83% more travellers than Thanksgiving Day in 2022. Other busy periods include the Tuesday and Wednesday before Thanksgiving, the days after Christmas, and holidays such as Memorial Day, July Fourth, and Labor Day.
To avoid crowds and potentially save money, travellers can opt for slower days, such as Tuesdays and Wednesdays, which are often less congested and cheaper. Saturdays may also be quieter, but lines could be longer due to inexperienced travellers.
Additionally, travelling during off-peak hours, such as early morning or late at night, can help reduce congestion. However, travelling during these hours may not always be feasible for everyone.
To further streamline your airport experience during busy periods, consider travelling with only carry-on luggage to avoid potential delays at the baggage claim. Familiarise yourself with the rules regarding carry-on items, especially liquids, to ensure a smoother security screening process.
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Business travel is trending upward
Business travel is making a steady comeback after experiencing a massive decline due to the pandemic. As we moved into 2024, companies started to reimagine corporate travel. A 2024 Deloitte survey of US-based corporate travel managers, executives, and budget owners indicated that corporate travel spend could grow by 8% to 12% in 2024, surpassing 2019 levels. This rate would be well ahead of the projected GDP gains, indicating a recovering industry.
Business travel is expected to reach pre-pandemic levels by 2024, with the industry projecting that business travel spending will reach $1.4 trillion in 2024 and nearly $1.8 trillion by 2027. This growth is driven by the resurgence of face-to-face meetings, events, and the gradual return of international business travel. The blend of business and leisure travel, known as "bleisure," is also gaining popularity, with professionals extending trips for leisure to maximize their time away.
The landscape of business travel is transforming, reflecting changes in the global economy, workforce diversity, and a shift towards sustainability. Travel is becoming more global, inclusive, and technology-driven. Increased globalization means more professionals are traveling internationally, forging connections, attending global events, and exploring new markets.
The purpose, format, and frequency of business trips are also evolving. With remote work offering employees greater flexibility, some workers now opt for "super-commuting," where they fly to another office or location instead of taking a short-distance train or car journey. This trend has implications for business travel budgets and planning.
While business travel is on an upward trajectory, it still faces challenges. Companies must navigate high costs, supplier negotiations, and the need to balance traveler demands for comfort with more sustainable travel options. Nonetheless, the overall trend is positive, with business travel expected to continue its recovery and growth in the coming years.
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Busiest days depend on the airport
The busiest days at the airport vary depending on the location of the airport, the time of year, and the day of the week. For example, airports in popular spring vacation destinations tend to experience heavier passenger traffic during this time of year. Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR) and Miami International Airport (MIA) are two examples of airports that see a significant increase in passenger volume during the spring break season, with MYR reporting a 100% year-over-year increase on some occasions.
During the summer vacation months, spanning from late June to early September, there is also an annual influx of tourists, which contributes to crowded airports. Recreational travel tends to peak when schools are on break, making Fridays in June, July, and August particularly busy at airports near beach destinations. Summer holidays such as Memorial Day and the Fourth of July can further increase air traffic during this period.
The winter holiday season, including Thanksgiving and Christmas, is another peak travel period. According to the TSA, the days surrounding Thanksgiving, such as the Tuesday and Wednesday before and the Sunday after, tend to be extremely busy at airports. Similarly, the week around Christmas sees a significant increase in travel, with the United States Department of Transportation reporting a 23% rise in long-distance travelers during the period between Christmas Eve and New Year's.
However, it's important to note that the busiest days can vary from year to year, depending on how the holidays fall during a given week. Additionally, with the recent shift from business to leisure travel, Fridays and Sundays have become the new busiest days of the week at many airports as people take weekend getaways. Therefore, when planning your travel, it's advisable to consider the potential for higher passenger volume on these days and allow for extra time at the airport.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Sundays tend to be busy at the airport, especially Sunday mornings. Fridays and Sundays are the busiest days of the week as flyers travel for weekend getaways. The Sunday after Thanksgiving is also the busiest travel day of the year.
To avoid crowds, it is best to travel on Tuesdays and Wednesdays as they tend to be the least busy days at the airport. Travelling early in the morning or late at night can also provide a quieter experience, with fewer passengers familiar with airport routines.
The busiest travel days of the year are usually the Tuesday and Wednesday before Thanksgiving and the Sunday after Thanksgiving. The two days after Christmas also see heavy travel. Other holidays like Memorial Day, July Fourth, and Labor Day also see high volumes of air passengers.
