Thanksgiving 2024 travel is on the rise, with airfare prices averaging $273 at the end of October, marking a 9% increase compared to 2023, according to Hopper. However, travelers can still breathe easy, as fares remain lower than 2022 and pre-pandemic levels.
For those planning to fly, now is the time to book. Prices are expected to surge by up to 54% in the final three weeks leading up to the holiday. With 36.5 million seats scheduled to depart U.S. airports between November 23rd and December 3rd, flight availability is on the rise, up 4.8% from last year, Hopper stated.
The busiest travel day will be Sunday, December 1st, as millions return home post-Thanksgiving. Major hubs like Atlanta, Dallas Fort Worth, and Denver will see millions of passengers, each expecting 1.5 to 2 million scheduled travelers, according to research from Hopper.