This year, the Thanksgiving air travel period is expected to stretch from Nov. 21 to Dec. 2. Airlines for America, the leading airline trade group in the U.S., expects an increase of 1.5 percent in the number of air travelers from the 24.2 million estimated number of air travelers during last year's Thanksgiving holiday. This would mean that an average additional 31,000 passengers are expected to travel each day.
Passenger volumes will have a daily range of 1.36 million up to 2.61 million. If busy days would be ranked, the top spot would fall on Nov. 30, the Sunday after the holiday. This will be followed by Dec. 1, the Monday afterward, and Nov. 26, the day before this year's holiday. The lightest days to travel are Nov. 27 and Nov. 28, the day of the holiday and the day after, Thursday and Friday, respectively.
The increasing demand in the travel industry is marked by rising personal incomes, expanding U.S. economy, lower energy prices, and employment growth.
"There is no better time to fly than now, as airfare remains one of the best consumer bargains in America, given its superior speed and price versus other modes of travel," said John Heimlich, A4A vice president and chief economist.
Airlines have seen a significant increase in profits this year. The industry is predicting that more people will be traveling through air over Thanksgiving as compared with any year since the recession began.
"We are seeing a lot of families wanting to take trips and planning their trips, so we do see more people wanting to travel now," said Giselle Sanchez of Mena Travel.
While it is noted that the increase in profits can be attributed to dropping fuel prices, Heimlich said that travelers shouldn't expect the air fares to drop anytime soon. This year, earnings of the airline industry have reached over $2 billion more compared with the same period last year.
"Even with the recent decrease in jet fuel prices, U.S. airlines pay $1 more per gallon than five years ago," tweeted Airlines for America. "For every dollar of revenue collected, U.S. airlines are keeping just 6 cents as profit."
Instead of reducing fares, airlines have opted to offer more seats, improve customer service experience, and pay down debts.
The top 10 most traveled U.S. airports are Atlanta; Charlotte, N.C.; Dallas-Fort Worth; Denver; Houston; Los Angeles; O'Hare in Chicago; Phoenix; John F. Kennedy in New York; and San Francisco. People who are traveling through these airports should expect longer lines at check-in counters and should be prepared for delays.
Travelers can still find some low fares around Thanksgiving if they fly on certain days. However, as the most convenient flights become packed sooner, travelers may have to use some extra time off work to get the best deals.
