Summary
- Airports and airlines in the US are experiencing an increase in passenger traffic ahead of Thanksgiving compared to last year.
- Despite the surge in passenger numbers, airline ticket prices are actually decreasing.
- The TSA is prepared for the influx of travelers and expects to screen several million passengers during the holiday.
Airports and airlines across the US have already seen a surge in passenger traffic ahead of Thanksgiving this year. More than 200,000 more travelers went through Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoints on Sunday compared to the same day last year.
It comes as the country continues to experience a post-pandemic travel boom. Surprisingly, airline ticket prices are decreasing even as more Americans take to the skies for travel needs.
A more than 8% increase
According to data from the TSA, passenger numbers have been up for the entire week, from November 12-19.
|
Day |
2023 Numbers |
2022 Numbers |
Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
|
November 19 |
2,606,823 |
2,400,147 |
8.6% |
|
November 18 |
2,379,668 |
2,214,717 |
7.5% |
|
November 17 |
2,692,459 |
2,458,089 |
9.5% |
|
November 16 |
2,540,842 |
2,326,100 |
9.2% |
|
November 15 |
2,216,147 |
2,034,880 |
8.9% |
|
November 14 |
2,026,329 |
1,892,613 |
7.1% |
|
November 13 |
2,529,005 |
2,274,202 |
11.2% |
|
November 12 |
2,677,486 |
2,439,835 |
9.7% |
On Sunday, 206,676 more travelers passed through TSA checkpoints compared to 2022, showing an 8.6% increase. Although high, numbers recorded last week were even more significant, with 11.2% more, or 254,802 passengers traveling on November 13.
The TSA said it is prepared for the influx of travelers and “expects to screen more than 30 million passengers during the 12-day Thanksgiving holiday period.” The travel window officially began on November 17 and will last until November 28.
“Historically, the three busiest travel days are the Tuesday and Wednesday prior to Thanksgiving and the Sunday afterward,” the agency explained.
Photo: DFW International Airport
Around 48% of Americans plan to travel between Thanksgiving and mid-January, according to NBC News. The result is an increase of reportedly 30% from last winter. The American Automobile Association (AAA) also estimates that 55.4 million people will venture at least 50 miles from home during the Thanksgiving holiday period, more than 2% more from 2022.
According to the Los Angeles Times, roughly 229,000 passengers passed through Los Angeles International Airport on Sunday, with an additional 228,000 travelers expected next Sunday for the return home. In total, the airport is expecting to see 2.5 million passengers pass through during the Thanksgiving travel window, which is reportedly an increase of 300,000 compared to last year.
Ticket prices are falling
What may be welcome news to travelers is the decrease in airline ticket prices. According to NBC News, 33% of travelers this holiday season are expected to fly, up from 29% last year. Although demand is strong, airfares were reportedly cheaper last month by 13% than the same period a year ago.
Photo: Denver International Airport
Domestic flights are estimated to cost less throughout the season, as roundtrip flights are expected to average around $268 during Thanksgiving, representing an annual decline of 14%. During Christmas, prices are anticipated to be down 12% annually, at about $400, NBC News reports.
“So much better prepared”
American Airlines, the largest carrier in the US, said it expects to break a record this Thanksgiving. From November 16-28, the Fort Worth, Texas-based airline estimates carrying 7.8 passengers across over 70,000 million flights, up more than 500,000 travelers versus last year. The carrier also added widebody aircraft on select domestic routes to accommodate the increased passenger traffic.
Delta Air Lines and United Airlines also expect records over the next few weeks. Southwest Airlines, which notably faced a holiday meltdown last year, says it is “so much better prepared,” according to NBC News.
Sources: NBC News, Los Angeles Times