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%
Check it out: How The FAA Is Making Holiday Travel More Efficient In The US
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.
Analysis: How Do Airline Ticket Prices Vary From Different Websites?
“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
Wow: Holiday Passenger Traffic In The US Is Already Up 8.6% From Last Year
- Advertisment - 
Recent Comments
on David and Victoria Beckham so ‘Charmed’ by Tom Cruise They Have His Photos on Display at Their Home
on Boston College vs. Army live stream, how to watch online, CBS Sports Network channel finder, odds
on Big Tech companies will cover travel expenses for employees’ medical procedures, including abortion
on Russian cruise and ballistic missiles kill 4 in Ukraine and Ukrainian rockets kill 2 in Russian city
on A weaker dollar, skyrocketing prices and ‘record’ visitor numbers: Good luck in Europe this summer
on GameFly Sale Offering Nintendo Switch Sports at a Mind-Blowing Price, Don’t Miss the Opportunity!
on Ford Blue Cruise: US regulators investigate fatal crashes involving hands-free driving technology
on San Mateo County Community College District sues five companies over role in ‘pay to play’ scandal
on 2024 Super Bowl: CBS Sports Network and CBS Sports HQ to combine for 115 hours of weeklong coverage
on Despite strong Lunar New Year holiday data, consumer spending in China isn’t roaring back just yet
on 2023 NFL All-Rookie Team: CBS Sports draft expert, former GM unveil league’s best first-year players
on Devout athletes find strength in their faith. But practicing it and elite sports can pose hurdles
on The Rev. Al Sharpton to lead protest after Florida governor’s ban of African American studies course
on After UFC Fallout, Conor McGregor Offers a Valuable Piece of Advice to Free Agent Francis Ngannou
on CONCEPT ART: New Details Revealed for Disney Cruise Line Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point Destination
on Saipan, placid island setting for Assange’s last battle, is briefly mobbed – and bemused by the fuss
on CONCEPT ART: New Details Revealed for Disney Cruise Line Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point Destination
on David and Victoria Beckham so ‘Charmed’ by Tom Cruise They Have His Photos on Display at Their Home
on Iowa State starting RB Jirehl Brock among latest college football players charged in gambling probe
on Biden to tout bill’s prescription drug prices, energy provisions in pitch to Americans, aide says
on Iowa State starting RB Jirehl Brock among latest college football players charged in gambling probe
on The Rev. Al Sharpton to lead protest after Florida governor’s ban of African American studies course
on Sports World Hails ‘Superwoman’ Lindsey Vonn for Her Grand Comeback Despite Career-Changing Injury
on San Mateo County Community College District sues five companies over role in ‘pay to play’ scandal
on Saipan, placid island setting for Assange’s last battle, is briefly mobbed – and bemused by the fuss
on ‘Pokémon Scarlet’ and ‘Violet’ Fan Theories Suggest Legendary Time Travel, Alternate Dimension Plot
on Joe Manchin and Tommy Tuberville introduce bill on name, image and likeness rules for college sports
on Inside the Michael Jordan ‘Air’ movie, plus why NFL, others are buying into the sports film industry
on If you’re a frequent traveler, these wrap tops from Aday will revolutionize your on-the-go wardrobe
on How Does Jack Nicklaus Travel? Exploring the Private Jets Owned by the ‘Golden Bear’ Over the Years
on Hollywood Reporter: Tom Cruise negotiated with movie studios over AI before the actors strike began
on Ford Blue Cruise: US regulators investigate fatal crashes involving hands-free driving technology
on Dozens of boats cruise the Seine in a rehearsal for the Paris Olympics’ opening ceremony on July 26
on Devout athletes find strength in their faith. But practicing it and elite sports can pose hurdles
on Despite strong Lunar New Year holiday data, consumer spending in China isn’t roaring back just yet
on David and Victoria Beckham so ‘Charmed’ by Tom Cruise They Have His Photos on Display at Their Home
on CONCEPT ART: New Details Revealed for Disney Cruise Line Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point Destination
on CBS Sports announces Matt Ryan will join NFL studio show. Longtime analysts Simms and Esiason depart
on Boston College vs. Army live stream, how to watch online, CBS Sports Network channel finder, odds
on Boise State vs. Air Force live stream, odds, channel, prediction, how to watch on CBS Sports Network
on Biden to tout bill’s prescription drug prices, energy provisions in pitch to Americans, aide says
on After UFC Fallout, Conor McGregor Offers a Valuable Piece of Advice to Free Agent Francis Ngannou
on 2024 Super Bowl: CBS Sports Network and CBS Sports HQ to combine for 115 hours of weeklong coverage
on ‘Best Intention’: Chris Kirk Has Absolute Trust in Jay Monahan and PGA Tour’s Widely Debated Model
on 2023 NFL All-Rookie Team: CBS Sports draft expert, former GM unveil league’s best first-year players
on “Completely Knocked Me Out”: Rob Lowe Recalls Boxing Match With Tom Cruise On 1983 Brat Pack Classic
on CONCEPT ART: New Details Revealed for Disney Cruise Line Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point Destination
on “Completely Knocked Me Out”: Rob Lowe Recalls Boxing Match With Tom Cruise On 1983 Brat Pack Classic
on CBS Sports announces Matt Ryan will join NFL studio show. Longtime analysts Simms and Esiason depart
on Carlos Sainz’s Soccer Fanboy Emerges as Spaniard Shares Defining Moment With This Real Madrid Legend
on Biden: ‘At this point I’m not’ planning to visit East Palestine, Ohio, after toxic train derailment
on ‘Best Intention’: Chris Kirk Has Absolute Trust in Jay Monahan and PGA Tour’s Widely Debated Model
on Ahead of big sports weekend, dispute with Disney leaves millions of cable subscribers in the dark
on A heavy wave of Russian missile attacks pounds areas across Ukraine, killing at least 4 civilians
on 2024 Super Bowl: CBS Sports Network and CBS Sports HQ to combine for 115 hours of weeklong coverage
on 2023 NFL All-Rookie Team: CBS Sports draft expert, former GM unveil league’s best first-year players
on Army vs. Coastal Carolina live stream, how to watch online, CBS Sports Network channel finder, odds
on AL Rookie of the Year Julio Rodriguez Spreads Joy and Sportsmanship to the Youth of Loma de Cabrera
on After UFC Fallout, Conor McGregor Offers a Valuable Piece of Advice to Free Agent Francis Ngannou
on Dubai International Airport sees 41.6 million passengers in first half of year, more than in 2019
on Devout athletes find strength in their faith. But practicing it and elite sports can pose hurdles
on Despite strong Lunar New Year holiday data, consumer spending in China isn’t roaring back just yet
on Dave Portnoy: Taylor Swift’s security should ‘drag Kim Kardashian to jail’ if she attends Eras Tour
on CONCEPT ART: New Details Revealed for Disney Cruise Line Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point Destination
on “Completely Knocked Me Out”: Rob Lowe Recalls Boxing Match With Tom Cruise On 1983 Brat Pack Classic
on CBS Sports, Serie A announce new TV rights deal; Paramount+ to air over 400 Italian soccer matches
on Cam Newton’s Violent Public Incident Draws Hilarious Reaction From 3x All-Star: “Where Do I Sign Up
on Boston College vs. Army live stream, how to watch online, CBS Sports Network channel finder, odds
on Angel Reese Launches Foundation Dedicated To Empowering Women Through Sports & Financial Literacy
on A weaker dollar, skyrocketing prices and ‘record’ visitor numbers: Good luck in Europe this summer