How Many Thanksgiving Day Travel Delays There Are?

Thanksgiving travel is expected to be a busy week, with millions of people expected to hit airports and highways in record numbers. Over 1,000 flights have been delayed, with fewer than 50 canceled due to low visibility. The best times to travel during the peak Thanksgiving period are on Wednesday and Sunday morning, according to AAA. Travel over Thanksgiving is expected to reach nearly 98 of pre-pandemic volume, with more than 54 million people expected to fly.

More than 2,000 flights within, into, and out of the U.S. have been delayed, and over 3,000 flights into or out of the U.S. have been delayed as of Sunday afternoon. The Transportation Security Administration expects about 30 million passengers to fly between Friday and the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, an 11.5 percent increase from 2022.

AAA expects 55.4 million Americans will travel over the Thanksgiving holiday travel period, an increase of 2.3 compared to 2022. The Sunday after Thanksgiving is expected to be the busiest day for airports, with 2.9 million people expected to travel. Delta Airlines is offering 253,000 additional seats per day on average.

Flight tracker FlightAware reported that over 7,600 flights into, out of, or within the U.S. were delayed Sunday, compared to the previous year. Thanksgiving travel days are expected to be the busiest in nearly 20 years, with more people expected to travel during the holiday weekend as airfare increases.

Which holiday has the most travel?

The Sunday after Thanksgiving in 2023 was the busiest travel day in the country’s aviation history, with 2. 9 million customers passing through checkpoints in over 400 locations. International summer travel is expected to increase this year, with a record 4. 7 billion people expected to travel around the world in 2024. Many of the busiest days will likely fall outside of the winter holiday travel season.

The Transportation Security Administration reported that six of the ten busiest all-time travel days occurred in 2023 as Americans returned to the skies after canceling vacations during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Is Thanksgiving an expensive time to travel?

The current low cost of air travel is a consequence of high demand, particularly during the busy Thanksgiving period. The Wednesday preceding and Sunday following Thanksgiving are the most expensive days for travel. To reduce the cost of airfare, it is advisable to consider alternative travel dates or to fly on the morning of Thanksgiving and return on the following Monday. It is important to note that the price of airfare does not decline on a specific day of the week.

Is Thanksgiving Day a slow travel day?

A review of historical data indicates that Thanksgiving has consistently been the least traveled day in the three years preceding and following the holiday. To mitigate the risk of flight delays, it is advisable to reserve the initial flight of the day, as it may afford travelers the opportunity to arrive in time for Thanksgiving dinner.

Why not travel on Friday?

The Huffington Post and AirHelp report the highest number of delays occurring on Monday and Friday, with Fridays having the highest probability at almost 30. Monday comes in second at 25, with the lowest probability on Saturday. For easier leisure travel, consider Wednesday and Thursday, excluding Thanksgiving Weekend. Saturdays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays are the cheapest days to fly, while Sundays and Fridays are usually the most expensive.

Holidays significantly impact traffic and delays, with the two busiest Thanksgiving travel days being the day before and the Monday after Thanksgiving, and Christmas’s busiest days being the 23rd – 26th.

New Year’s travel is at its peak from the 30th to New Year’s Day. The best time to book an international trip is about 5 – 2 months before, as booking too early may miss great deals and too late may result in high ticket prices. Prices sharply increase as the holidays near and summer months become scarce, making availability scarce and demand high.

Is Thanksgiving Day a slow travel day?

The Sunday following Thanksgiving is the day with the highest volume of travel, followed by the seven days preceding and succeeding Thanksgiving. Nevertheless, the actual holiday is the least congested travel day at airports, as evidenced by data from 2019 to 2022.

Is Thanksgiving the busiest travel time?

Thanksgiving Day is the busiest day for road traffic, so it is recommended that journeys be made before 10 a. m. or after 5 p. m. on Thanksgiving. It is advisable to avoid travelling on the road between noon and 4 p. m. on Friday and instead undertake journeys before 11 a. m. or after 7 p. m. on Saturday and Sunday. Those who are compelled to embark on their journeys at an early hour would be well advised to eschew the congestion that is likely to be encountered on these days. A woman was issued a citation for sounding her vehicle’s horn.

What is the record for Thanksgiving travel?

The Thanksgiving holiday saw 2, 907, 378 people screened at U. S. airports, representing a significant increase in the number of individuals undergoing security screening and breaking travel records. Notwithstanding the inclement weather that resulted in snow at Chicago O’Hare International Airport, with over 900 flights delayed, only three flights were canceled. The aforementioned record was established on a single day, according to the Transportation Security Administration.

Is it hard to travel on Thanksgiving?

Thanksgiving is a busy time for driving, especially on the Wednesday before and Sunday after. To save time, consider leaving on Monday or Tuesday and returning home early or late on Monday. Find an alternative route to avoid traffic jams and unexpected detours. Have a backup plan in case the traffic is too much to handle.

Use GPS technology to navigate during peak travel times, as it provides the best new route on the spot. Whether you have a GPS device, Google Maps on your phone, or built-in satellite navigation in your car, a little dependence on technology can save a lot of trouble. By avoiding traffic jams, blockages, and unexpected detours, you can ensure a smoother and more enjoyable Thanksgiving trip.

How many people travel on Thanksgiving Day in the US?

The number of individuals undertaking journeys for the Thanksgiving holiday in the United States reached 54. In 2021, the number of travelers reached 50 million, with a projected increase to 55 million. It is projected that 37 million individuals will engage in travel for the Thanksgiving holiday in 2023. The highest recorded number was 58. In 2005, the number reached 6 million. Access to the statistics is available for a fee of $1, 788 USD per year, with the premium statistics not included. It should be noted that the account is subject to an annual contract, with the subscription renewing after one year at the regular list price.

What is the slowest travel day?

The busiest travel days for major airports are weekends, with peak periods occurring in the early morning and evening. In contrast, Tuesdays and Wednesdays are relatively slower. The period between noon and 6 p. m. is the slowest time of the week.

Is Thanksgiving the biggest holiday in the US?

Thanksgiving is a significant American holiday, as it provides an opportunity for families to reunite, express gratitude, and strengthen familial bonds. It is uncommon for an American to lack fond memories of Thanksgiving Day from their childhood.