Thanksgiving Travel Rush: Airports In Focus

Thanksgiving is one of the busiest times of the year for airports, with some airlines expecting their busiest Thanksgiving ever. The Sunday after Thanksgiving is usually the busiest airport day of the year, but Thanksgiving Day itself is the least crowded. The Wednesday before Thanksgiving is also brutal, as is the weekend after. The best days to fly are the Saturday before and the Wednesday after Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving Day is the least busy

Flying on Thanksgiving Day is also the cheapest option. In 2023, a one-way flight on Thanksgiving morning was $59, with two checked bags included. Thanksgiving Day flights are usually the cheapest day to travel during the Thanksgiving period.

While there are fewer flyers on Thanksgiving Day, there are also fewer flights available. This means that if something goes wrong, there is a higher chance of being stranded as there are fewer staff available to resolve issues. However, some people have experienced both positive and negative outcomes when flying on Thanksgiving Day, so it is a bit of a gamble.

If you do decide to fly on Thanksgiving Day, it is recommended to book the first flight out for the day to reduce the odds of a flight delay. It is also a good idea to arrive at the airport early, with the TSA suggesting travellers arrive two hours before their flight.

The Sunday after is the busiest

Thanksgiving is a busy time for airports, and in 2024, the number of passengers screened in US airports reached an all-time high. The Sunday after Thanksgiving is usually the busiest airport day of the year.

In 2023, the Sunday after Thanksgiving was the busiest single day of the year at US airports, with more than 2.9 million people passing through security checkpoints. This was almost double the number of people travelling on Thanksgiving Day itself, when just 1.5 million people were at airports.

Historically, the Tuesday and Wednesday before Thanksgiving, and the Sunday after, are the busiest travel days, according to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). The TSA projected that 2.9 million passengers would pass through airports on Sunday 26 November 2023, and this would likely be the busiest travel day of the Thanksgiving period.

The Wednesday before Thanksgiving is also a busy travel day, with some sources saying it is the busiest travel day of the year. However, Thanksgiving Day itself is usually quiet, with fewer flyers and fewer flights available.

If you want to avoid the crowds, it's best to avoid travelling on the Sunday after Thanksgiving.

The Wednesday before is also busy

Thanksgiving is one of the busiest times of the year for travel, with people crisscrossing the country to visit family and friends. While the Sunday after Thanksgiving is typically the busiest day at the airports, the Wednesday before is also a very busy travel day. In fact, historically, the Wednesday before Thanksgiving is one of the busiest travel days of the year.

The Wednesday before Thanksgiving sees a large number of people travelling to their holiday destinations. This day is particularly popular for those who are unable to take the entire week off work, as it allows them to maximise their holiday time. By travelling on Wednesday evening, people can take advantage of the Thursday and Friday holidays without having to take additional time off. As a result, airports and roads can become very crowded.

To avoid the crowds and potential travel chaos, some people choose to travel on alternative days. Thanksgiving Day itself tends to be a quieter travel day, with many people already at their destinations. The Saturday before Thanksgiving and the Wednesday after are also generally less busy, and flights on these days may be cheaper.

However, travelling on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving has its advantages. Despite the crowds, travelling on this day means you can make the most of the long weekend without eating into your vacation days. For those who can work remotely, extending the trip and returning home on the Wednesday after Thanksgiving can be a good option.

To ensure a smooth travel experience, it's recommended to arrive at the airport early, especially during busy travel periods like Thanksgiving. Checking travel advisories and being aware of prohibited items can also help streamline the process.

It's cheaper to fly on Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving is one of the busiest travel holidays of the year, with many people travelling to spend time with loved ones. As a result, the demand for flights increases, causing prices to rise. However, if you're looking to save some money on your Thanksgiving travel, consider booking your flight for Thanksgiving Day itself.

Thanksgiving Day tends to be the least crowded travel day during the Thanksgiving period. This is because most people are already at their destination, celebrating with their families. As a result, flights on this day are usually less expensive compared to the days leading up to the holiday.

If you're unable to travel on Thanksgiving Day itself, there are still ways to save on your flight. Try to be flexible with your travel dates and consider flying on the Saturday before or the Wednesday after Thanksgiving. These days tend to be less crowded and may offer lower prices.

Additionally, booking your flight early can also help you secure cheaper rates. Generally, it's recommended to book holiday travel at least six to eight weeks in advance. For Thanksgiving, planning even earlier can help you find better deals. Tuesdays and Wednesdays are often the cheapest days to book flights as airlines tend to release fare discounts on Mondays, and by mid-week, you can take advantage of lower-priced options before the weekend demand sets in.

So, if you're looking to save money on your Thanksgiving travel, consider booking your flight for Thanksgiving Day or taking advantage of early booking discounts. Being flexible with your travel dates and avoiding the busiest travel days can also help you find cheaper options.

The Saturday before is quiet

Thanksgiving is a busy time for airports, but the Saturday before the holiday is usually quiet. In fact, it is one of the least crowded days to travel during the Thanksgiving period. This is because most people are already at their destinations by then.

If you're looking to avoid the crowds, travelling on the Saturday before Thanksgiving is a good option. You'll find that the airports are quieter, the planes are emptier, and the crew is usually more laid-back. It's also a good day to travel if you want to save money, as it's likely to be one of the cheaper days to fly.

Of course, there are a couple of things to keep in mind. Firstly, there may be fewer flights available on the Saturday before Thanksgiving. Secondly, if something goes wrong, the airport staff might be limited, so there's a higher chance of getting stranded.

Overall, though, travelling on the Saturday before Thanksgiving is a good option if you want to avoid the chaos of busier travel days. You'll likely find that check-in, security, and boarding are all quicker and less stressful.

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