The countdown is underway toward what’s expected to be America’s busiest travel week since before the COVID pandemic. Thanksgiving Week is seven days away, when almost three out of four Americans expect to be traveling in some manner. Half of those surveyed say it will be their first major trip since 2019.
If you’re flying, expect delays and long lines. There are fewer flights and reduced airline staffing. Travel experts say the busiest days will be the next two Sundays, November 20 as people head out on their Holiday journey, and November 27 as they are returning home.
Almost 3.5 Million passengers will be traveling on both those days. The slowest day, not surprisingly, is Thanksgiving Day. However over two million still take to the skies that Thursday. Overall for the travel period, airline boardings are expected to be up about six percent from 2019.
What airports are the busiest for Thanksgiving? Atlanta, Dallas Fort Worth and Denver—all busy hubs for connecting flights—win those dubious honors. And all three are key links in many flights originating from Southwest Michigan’s favorite starting-off-point, SBN—South Bend International Airport. For expected delays, experts say you can add Newark and Miami to your list of places to expect problems during your Holiday travels. For once, Chicago O’Hare doesn’t make the ‘bad list.’
There’s not a lot an airline traveler can do to avoid delays. A popular suggestion from travel advisors is “Take the first flight of the day.” It lessens your chances of an immediate delay and puts you ahead of many other travelers in dealing with challenges along the way. It’s statistically true that airline delays mount up as the day unfolds as one equipment or crew availability issue after another cause a ripple effect on flights later in the day.
Another suggestion for travelers with flexible schedules—especially those who are retired or work remotely—avoid the Holiday week altogether. Go early and stay longer, leaving the Thanksgiving Week road warrior battles to other travelers.
If you’re among the many getting ready to travel for Thanksgiving, MOTM wishes you ‘Safe & Smooth Travels!’.
