Traveling for Thanksgiving? Learn the best and worst days to fly, the cheapest times, and easy tips to avoid crowds & high airfares during Thanksgiving travel.
The busiest travel times before New Year and Christmas is Thanksgiving. Families come together, students return home because of vacation or holiday time, and also so many people take short breaks from work during this time. Hence, so many people fly during the same week and airfares increases and airports become very busy. But still you can crack the deal, you can crack good discount and you can choose best days to fly around Thanksgiving.
Why Thanksgiving Flights Are Expensive?
Like other holidays, Thanksgiving is also a rush time and vacation time. Most people travel on fixed dates because of holiday time and here is why flights are more expensive –
Thanksgiving Day is always on Thursday
Most people want to arrive before Thursday
Travelers book return ticket before Monday or on Monday
Airlines know this demand trend
When millions of people try to fly during the same time or weekend, airfare will be higher.
Worst Days to Fly Around Thanksgiving
Here is the list of worst days to fly around Thanksgiving
Wednesday Before Thanksgiving
Don’t try to book tickets just one day before Thanksgiving because it is actually a worst day to fly. Tickets are expensive, and airports are crowded. On the other hand, delays are also widespread. Make sure to leave early for the airport because long security lines and packed planes are standard on this day.
Sunday After Thanksgiving
It is the most popular return day for Americans and they want to get back on work just before Monday. Thus, it is also the worst day to fly and here are the reasons -
High ticket prices
Heavy airport crowds
More chances of delays
If you can return later, you’ll have a much better experience.
Best Days to Fly Before Thanksgiving
People who are flexible in terms of flying must book tickets earlier in the week.
Monday or Tuesday Before Thanksgiving
Both are the best days to fly before the holiday because fewer people travel early and flights are less crowded. Prices are usually lower and Tuesday is often slightly better than Monday.
These are usually the best days to fly before the holiday.
Early Morning Flights
Early flights are usually:
Cheaper
Less crowded
Less likely to be delayed
Many people don’t want to wake up early, which helps keep prices down.
Best Days to Fly On Thanksgiving Day
Yes, even Thanksgiving Day itself can be a good day to fly because most of the flyers already reached their home.
Frequently asked questions
How to book cheap Thanksgiving flight tickets?
It is pretty easy for the flyers when they are flexible with this holiday plan. You can find affordable Thanksgiving flight deals when you are flexible with the arrival and departure dates.
What are the good airlines for Thanksgiving travel in the U.S?
All airlines are good but if you want to avoid delays and want to fly comfortably then choose Delta, United, American or Alaska Airlines.
Which is the cheapest day to fly for Thanksgiving?
It is Monday of the same week, when Thanksgiving is celebrating.
