busiest travel days thanksgiving 2022

Americans 'eager' to travel for Thanksgiving: Tips to avoid delays

The holiday travel season is about to commence now that Thanksgiving is just around the corner. Travel experts are encouraging those making any sort of journey to prepare for a crowded, and possibly chaotic, one.

"The Thanksgiving holiday week is shaping up to be busy," Hayley Berg, lead economist for Hopper, told USA TODAY. "Americans are eager to visit family and friends and make up for missed holidays due to the pandemic."

About 70% of Americans said they have travel plans to do just that, according to a recent report from the travel app. About half of American travelers said it's the first time they're traveling during the holiday season since the pandemic began.

Airlines have built back capacity to try to meet the anticipated demand on domestic routes, the report said. Both flight costs and seat capacity have increased this year. Nearly 25 million seats are scheduled to depart on flights from U.S. airports over the holiday week, a 6% increase from 2019. 

After a summer of cancellations, delays and travel headaches, the experts at Hopper say this holiday season will be no different.

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Read below to learn more about how to prepare for a Thanksgiving week of busy travel:

What will be the busiest days for travel during Thanksgiving week?

Sorry to all the Sunday travelers. 

The Sunday before Thanksgiving, Nov. 20, is expected to see about 3.3 million people on the move. The Sunday after Thanksgiving, Nov. 27, is when traveler numbers are predicted to peak at 3.4 million, as people return home from their trips.

Travelers should bank on the longest lines and potential delays on these peak days, Berg said. 

The slowest day for travel will be on Thanksgiving day itself, although 2.24 million are still expected to be en route.

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What are the busiest airports dur ing Thanksgiving week?

According to the report, Atlanta (ATL), Dallas Fort-Worth (DFW) and Denver (DEN) are slated to be the busiest airports that week, with over one million travelers going through their concourses. The busiest time to fly at these airports will be in the morning.

"If you’re departing from one of these busiest airports, be sure to get to the airport early, expect longer lines and be prepared for potential delays and disruptions as the airports manage heavy holiday traffic," the report said.

Which airports are expected to have the worst delays? 

This past summer, one in three flights on average were delayed at major airports, according to Hopper data. Delays might affect travelers over Thanksgiving week too. 

"Additionally, travelers heading in and out of Newark Airport (EWR), Dallas Love Field (DAL) and Miami Airport (MIA) should expect delays, as those airports saw the highest levels of disruption over the Thanksgiving week last year and during this past summer," Berg said.

Newark had 39% of its flights disrupted this past summer, while DAL clocked in at 33% and MIA at 28%.

This past summer, Chicago Midway (MDW) and Houston (HOU) also had a significant amount of flight disruptions, so travelers flying in and out of these airports might want to be well-prepared. 

How can I prepare for flight disruptions over Thanksgiving?

• Hopper recommends booking the first flight out if you can: "You're less likely to be impacted by delays from earlier in the day."
• Consider adding in a buffer day to your travel plans so you have some wiggle room to get to your destination.
• Arrive at the airport early. If you have time to spare, then you won't need to worry about long TSA lines  (did you know there's an app to check TSA time estimates in real-time?), traffic or getting to your gate on time. 
• April Cheng, travel expert for TravelChic World , said people should also consider weather when making travel plans — especially cold destinations that could be impacted by snow or ice. 

The Busiest Travel Days For Thanksgiving To Avoid In 2022

Early birds get the open road.

Pack your bags and take those vacation days, because Thanksgiving is almost here. As the holiday season kicks off, so does the season of over-crowded roads and airports. To make sure you get to your dinner on time, you’ll want to avoid the most congested travel times. Take note of the busiest Thanksgiving travel days and times for 2022 to help make your trip a little less stressful.

If you thought summer travels were busy, then you better prepare yourself for the holiday travel surge. AAA’s Thanksgiving Holiday Travel Forecast for 2022 predicts 54.6 million people will travel over 50 miles or more between Wednesday, Nov. 23 and Sunday, Nov. 27. That’s 1.5% more than in 2021, and it’s “just shy” of pre-pandemic travel volumes, per the motor club federation’s 2022 press release. If you’re one of millions traveling to get your turkey dinner and pumpkin pie, crowded airport trams and bumper-to-bumper traffic might seem inevitable, but you can try to outsmart the holiday chaos.

It may seem like a fool’s errand with traffic-filled highways and packed grocery stores and shopping centers , but a little planning could go a long way. With so many places to go — and so many people out and about — you’ll want to steer clear of the absolute worst travel times during Thanksgiving.

What Are The Busiest Travel Days Around Thanksgiving?

People are on the move this season in “one of the busiest [times] for travel in the past two decades,” AAA’s senior vice president of travel Paula Twidale said in a Nov. 15 press release. For Thanksgiving, 89.1% of travelers will be driving, while 8.3% of holiday travelers will be flying to their destination. Catch the other 2.6% of travelers on a bus, a train, or a cruise ship.

Busiest Times To Drive During Thanksgiving Week:

AAA reported “INRIX expects severe congestion in several U.S. metro areas, with some drivers experiencing more than double normal delays.” So, have those road trip playlists and podcasts saved. According to AAA’s predictions for Thanksgiving 2022 and Google data looking at traffic patterns in 20 U.S. cities, these are the busiest times on the road (all hours are local time):

• Tuesday, Nov. 22: Traffic peaks between 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. early in the week.
• Wednesday, Nov. 23: The worst time to travel is between 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., with the height of congestion coming between 4 p.m. and 5 p.m.
• Thursday, Nov. 24 (Thanksgiving): The worst time to travel is between 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and the traffic will continue to be a factor from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
• Friday, Nov. 25 (Black Friday): Traffic will start to get heavy around noon, and the worst time to travel is between 4p.m. and 8 p.m. Although, according to Google, the traffic at the end of night will be less than during the early evening.
• Saturday, Nov. 26: The worst time to travel is between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m.
• Sunday, Nov. 27: Same as the day before, traffic will be the worst between 4p.m. and 8 p.m.

Oof, that’s a lot of traffic. The rule of thumb this Thanksgiving week is to avoid traveling in the late morning into the early evening.

Busiest Times At Airports During Thanksgiving Week:

Wednesday, Nov. 23 is expected to be the busiest day for Thanksgiving travel in 2022, per KAYAK, with Friday, Nov. 18 as the second busiest day. Data from Expedia shared with Elite Daily confirms Nov. 23 as the most popular 2022 Thanksgiving travel day, and Tuesday, Nov. 22 is right behind it.

For your return trip, airports will be packed on Sunday, Nov. 27 and Friday, Nov. 24, per Expedia.

Busiest Times At Train Stations During Thanksgiving Week:

According to intel from Amtrak shared with Elite Daily in a Nov. 18 email, the Wednesday before Thanksgiving and the Sunday after will be the most crowded. So, if you’re hopping on a train Nov. 23 or Nov. 27, remember to pack your patience.

The Best Time To Travel During Thanksgiving

Before you let a sea of brake lights ruin your appetite, check out the best times to get to your Thanksgiving destination.

Best Time To Drive During Thanksgiving Week:

AAA’s 2022 Thanksgiving data and Google’s road traffic predictions also highlight when the roads will be the least congested (all hours are local time):

• Monday, Nov. 21 : Beat all the traffic by leaving at 8 p.m. the Monday before the holiday.
• Wednesday, Nov. 23: The best time to travel on Thanksgiving Eve is before 8 a.m. or after 8 p.m.
• Thursday, Nov. 24 (Thanksgiving): Hit the road early, before 11 a.m., to make it to your holiday meal, and stay off the roads until after 6 p.m.
• Friday, Nov. 25 (Black Friday): Start your shopping before 11 a.m. or after 8 p.m. Very early risers will see clear roads at 7 a.m. and 10 a.m. as well.
• Saturday, Nov. 26: The best time to travel is before 2 p.m. or after 8 p.m. Set your alarm clock for open roads at 6 a.m.
• Sunday, Nov. 27: The best time to travel is before 11 a.m. or after 8 p.m. Again, the earlier the better, with 6 a.m. being the best time to leave, according to Google.

Overall, early birds and night owls will likely see the least amount of traffic.

Best Time To Fly During Thanksgiving Week:

To avoid crowds, steer clear of Nov. 23 and Nov. 27. That’s not to say you won’t encounter crowds on other days, but it will certainly be fewer.

Best Time To Take The Train During Thanksgiving Week:

While Amtrak didn’t provide specifics on the optimal time for train travel, you can expect slightly lighter traffic by avoiding the day before and after Thanksgiving. Amtrak’s travel tips suggest getting to the train station at least 30 minutes before your departure time — and always check your train status to make sure it’s on time.

Staying Safe While Traveling For Thanksgiving

Take a cue from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) tips “for a healthy and safe holiday travel season .” As of Oct. 6, 2022, the CDC recommends you are up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines and a seasonal flu vaccine. You can check on the CDC website what that means for you . As of Nov. 1, 2022, the CDC says, “You are up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines if you have completed a COVID-19 vaccine primary series and received the most recent booster dose recommended for you by CDC.” The latest updated (bivalent) booster became available on Sept. 2 for people 12 or older, and can protect you from the original virus and Omicron variant BA.4 and BA.5.

The CDC emphasizes delaying travel if you test positive for COVID-19 and to isolate for at least five days. Testing is not required to fly domestically, but it’s recommended you test “as close to the time of departure as possible (no more than 3 days) before travel,” per the CDC. Similarly, masks are no longer required on public transportation, but it’s still recommended to wear masks “in indoor public transportation settings.”

If you’re traveling internationally , check local requirements as each country’s COVID protocols may differ from the U.S.

It can be overwhelming to think of all the travel prep and figure out when to leave as to not get caught in a traffic jam. There’s no exact science to make sure you won’t run into any holiday crowds — even with all the intel, there’s a chance your “not-busy” Thanksgiving travel time period will be a little slower than you want — but it still doesn’t hurt to plan for off-peak travel times. So, set your alarm and hope for the best. A slice of pumpkin pie is waiting for you on the other side.

This article was originally published on 11.17.20

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These Are the Busiest Days and Times to Travel for Thanksgiving, According to AAA

Best times to hit the road or fly during the holiday.

Paul Hennessy/Getty Images

More than 54 million people are expected to travel over the Thanksgiving holiday period, nearly matching pre-pandemic levels.

In total, 54.6 million people are forecast to travel 50 miles or more from their homes for the holiday from Wednesday, Nov. 23, to Sunday, Nov. 27, according to AAA . The holiday is projected to be the third busiest for travel since the company started tracking in 2000 and the prediction will bring travel within 98% of pre-pandemic levels.

This year is also expected to be a 1.5% increase from 2021.

“Families and friends are eager to spend time together this Thanksgiving , one of the busiest for travel in the past two decades,” Paula Twidale, AAA’s senior vice president of travel, said in a statement. “Plan ahead and pack your patience, whether you’re driving or flying.”

Most travelers who head out for the Thanksgiving holiday will hit the road, with nearly 49 million people planning to drive. But that is 2.5% lower than in 2019.

Americans who are traveling by car should travel early on Wednesday morning or before 11 a.m. on Thanksgiving Day to skip the crowds, and avoid travel between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

AAA also laid out best and worst times to travel in metro cities around the country. For example, peak congestion through New York will occur from 2:45 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. while peak time in Atlanta will occur from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

But there is good news: gas prices have decreased ahead of the holiday with the national average for a gallon sliding three cents in the past week to $3.77, AAA also noted. That is 13 cents less than a month ago, but still 36 cents more than one year ago.

When it comes to air travel, fewer Americans are expected to fly — about 4.5 million of them — but they represent nearly 99% of the 2019 volume. The increase comes as holiday flight prices are expected to reach the highest they’ve been in five years.

Department of Transportation Sec. Pete Buttigieg has said holiday air travel will likely be an improvement from the chaos of the summer , but warned it still won’t be perfect . 

Twidale said travelers should “anticipate long TSA lines . If possible, avoid checking a bag to allow for more flexibility if flights are delayed or you need to reschedule.”

These Are the Busiest Travel Days of the Year, According to TSA

The holidays and holiday weekends often bring with them some of the most congested days at the country’s airports and on the roads..

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The Tuesday and Wednesday just before Thanksgiving and the Sunday after Thanksgiving are often among the busiest travel days of the year.

Photo by Jim Lambert / Shutterstock

Every year, millions of people embark on journeys, whether for business or leisure. After a few years of much less crowded airports due to the pandemic, the International Air Transport Association is reporting that passenger numbers are just about what they were prepandemic levels.

However, there have already been a number of days that have surpassed prepandemic levels and they’ve largely fallen right before or after holidays.

Take Independence Day, for example. In 2023, AAA projected that 4.17 million people flew over the July Fourth holiday period, surpassing the previous air travel record of 3.91 million travelers, set in 2019. Similarly, TSA screened a record number of passengers on the Sunday following Thanksgiving in 2022, with more than 2.56 million passengers.

According to the TSA, the busiest travel days of the year are usually the Tuesday and Wednesday before Thanksgiving and the Sunday after Thanksgiving . TSA recorded its highest passenger screening volume in its history on the Sunday after Thanksgiving in 2019, when nearly 2.9 million passengers passed through TSA checkpoints. But Thanksgiving and Christmas aren’t the only times we can expect busy airports. Here are the busiest travel day of the year.

Busiest travel days of the year

Thanksgiving and Christmas tend to be the busiest travel days of the year, but other holidays like Memorial Day, July Fourth, and Labor Day also see some of the highest volumes of air passengers.

So far this year, daily passenger numbers have been growing each month. In all of 2022, only one day had more than 2.5 million air passengers in the United States: November 27 (the Sunday after Thanksgiving), with 2.560 million. As of August 20, 2023, there had already been more than 75 days in the calendar year that had surpassed 2.5 million air passengers, according to TSA checkpoint data .

These have been the five busiest travel days in the last full year:

• July 30: 2.793 million passengers
• July 28: 2.785 million passengers
• July 23: 2.789 million passengers
• June 30: 2.884 million passengers (the new record for the busiest air travel day ever in the United States)
• June 16: 2.785 million passengers

For reference, the busiest travel day in all of 2019 was November 27, with 2.882 million passengers.

The busiest travel days around Christmas and New Year’s, historically

As for Christmas and New Year’s Eve, the number of travelers is likely to ramp up during the end of December and into early January as well. In 2019, the highest number of travelers during the Christmas and New Year period was on Friday, December 17 (one week before Christmas), when 2.6 million travelers passed through TSA checkpoints. The second busiest day was Christmas Eve, with 2.58 million travelers, followed by the day after Christmas with 2.57 million travelers.

New York City consistently ranks as one of the top domestic travel destinations for the holidays.

Photo by Elias Andres Jose/Unsplash

Tips for flying during the busiest times of the year

There are a few ways to make travel easier and clear busy TSA checkpoints more quickly, this holiday season.

Get TSA PreCheck, Clear, and/or Global Entry

Never have these security expediting services been more valuable than during the current congestion happening at U.S. airports. TSA PreCheck recently reduced its prices from $85 to $78 for a five-year membership, and it’s only $70 to renew . Clear costs $189 per year. International travelers should consider the $100 Global Entry, which includes TSA PreCheck, for expedited customs screening upon arrival in the United States—and there’s a secret way to speed up the application process .

Check to see if your airport has a fast-pass security lane you can book in advance—for free

No TSA PreCheck or Clear? Select U.S. airports are giving travelers the option to make an advance “fast pass” reservation to head to the front of the security line—free of charge. We’ve compiled the full list of airports that offer this service .

Consider traveling with carry-on only

For those who don’t want to risk their luggage getting lost during a busy travel time when airports remain understaffed, traveling with carry-on may be your best bet. Another alternative? Luggage-shipping services .

Know what you can bring through security

If you’re traveling with carry-on, know what you can and cannot pack in said carry-on. By now, you know you can only carry on liquids in containers 3.4 ounces or smaller, so be sure that holiday items such as gravy, cranberry sauce, or wine are either left behind or packed in a checked bag as they are considered liquids and could otherwise be confiscated (and create delays). Check AFAR’s in-depth guide to what foods you can bring through TSA to make sure that what you’ve packed in your carry-on can pass through security.

Thoroughly check your bags before leaving the house

TSA recommends that travelers fully empty their bags prior to packing to make sure that they don’t accidentally bring something to the airport that they didn’t intend to bring, which could cause further delays.

Monitor the weather

Check the weather and forecasts that are available on sites such as the National Weather Service , the Weather Channel , and AccuWeather so that you can be prepared for possible disruptions and establish back-up plans for delayed travel.

Get to the airport earlier than you’d think

The lines and wait times at the country’s airports (and abroad, too) are longer than they’ve been in years. Best to arrive early and have some extra time postsecurity than risk missing your flight waiting in an hours-long check-in or security line. Aim for at least two hours before domestic flights and at least three for international flights.

Know if and when you are due a refund because of a delayed or canceled flight

On September 1, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) launched a new Aviation Consumer Protection website to help travelers track down what kind of refunds or compensation their airline should provide when there is a cancellation or delay.

Airlines aren’t required to compensate passengers when flights are delayed or canceled due to problems deemed beyond the company’s control, like bad weather. They also aren’t required to provide a refund when the passenger initiates the cancellation or flight change. But a refund is required by U.S. law when the airline cancels, delays, or alters a flight, or passengers are involuntarily bumped from a flight that is oversold or due to issues originating from the airline, such as operational or staffing problems.

Additionally, after the federal government began cracking down on airlines this year, all of the major U.S. airlines vowed to provide meal vouchers for delays of more than three hours and to provide transfers and hotel stays to passengers affected by an overnight cancellation. They have all also agreed to rebook travelers on an alternate flight at no added cost due to a delay or cancellation and most will also rebook on a partner airline.

This article originally appeared online in 2018; it was most recently updated in August 2023 to include current information.

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Thanksgiving travel will be crowded, but not as chaotic as the summer

What to know about the busiest airports, high-traffic days and destinations for last-minute trips.

A perfectly roasted turkey, grandma’s stuffing and a heaping side of travel chaos: Busy airports and expensive flights have become an annual Thanksgiving tradition, and this year will be no exception.

With many families reuniting for the first time since the pandemic began, nearly 55 million Americans are expected to travel more than 50 miles from home for the holiday this year, according to AAA . About 4.5 million plan to fly, an increase of nearly 8 percent from 2021.

This Thanksgiving is expected to be the “biggest air travel period since the start of covid,” said Peer Bueller, the chief financial officer at travel booking website Kayak.

“We’re inching really close to pre-pandemic levels,” especially for international travel, Bueller said.

After the chaos of summer travel this year, many travelers remain wary that staffing issues and extreme weather might derail their plans. Here’s what to know ahead of a busy travel week.

The busiest days at airports

Airlines have sold roughly 25 million seats departing from U.S. airports from the Sunday before Thanksgiving to the Sunday after, about 6 percent more capacity than 2019, according to Hayley Berg, lead economist at the travel booking app Hopper .

The largest surge of travelers will come to airports on Wednesday and Sunday, especially in the mornings, according to Berg. Atlanta, Dallas-Fort Worth and Denver airports are expected to be the nation’s busiest all week long, with crowds peaking in the mornings. Las Vegas, Phoenix and New York’s John F. Kennedy Airport will also be among the busiest but will see their largest crowds in the evenings, Berg said.

Your guide to surviving airport chaos

If you’re traveling during one of those peak times, expect long lines at security and have backup options in case your plans fall through, Berg said. “If you’re really worried, a lot of airlines are offering $0 changes to try to change your flight to earlier in the day or the day before,” she said.

The Transportation Security Administration will be “fully staffed” for the holiday period, with 20 million passengers expected to pass through checkpoints between Nov. 18 and Nov. 27, according to spokesperson Lisa Farbstein.

Farbstein recommends passengers arrive at the airport two hours early for a domestic flight and “pack some of that all-important patience.” If you’re traveling with Thanksgiving foods, be sure to place them in the right bag : solid foods like pie can go in a carry on, but liquids like wine and gravy must be checked.

“If you can spill it, spread it, spray it, pump it or pour it, then please pack it in a checked bag,” Farbstein said in an email.

The holiday foods you can and can’t bring in a carry-on, according to TSA

The days with peak Thanksgiving traffic

Travelers looking to avoid crowded airports may choose to hit the road, but expect significant congestion there, too.

Traffic is expected to peak Wednesday afternoon, especially in major metropolitan areas like New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago and Atlanta, according to INRIX, a transportation analytics firm.

If you need to travel Wednesday, leave before 8 a.m. or after 8 p.m. On Thanksgiving Day, try to drive before 11 a.m. or after 6 p.m., when traffic will be lightest, according to INRIX. For the return trip, avoid driving between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Gas prices have fallen 11 cents in the last week to $3.66 per gallon on average nationally as of Monday, according to AAA . While far below summer peaks of over $5 a gallon , it will still be the most expensive Thanksgiving for gas prices since AAA started tracking rates in 2000.

Drivers in the Mid-Atlantic region can find some relief at the gas station chain Sheetz, which has reduced its Unleaded 88 fuel to $1.99 a gallon for Thanksgiving week. Navigation apps like Waze and Google Maps now feature gas prices along your route, and Google Maps offers an eco-friendly routing option to find the most fuel-efficient route to your destination.

The best times to drive for Thanksgiving

Expect disruptions, but not as many as summer

Passengers who encountered delays, cancellations, lost bags and other travel disruptions this summer should expect some relief during Thanksgiving, according to experts.

Bueller said he expects disruptions during Thanksgiving to be “much less significant” than the summer, when factors like staffing and weather “blindsided” the industry.

“Thanksgiving is such a time-bound, well-defined travel period, and airlines have been able to prepare for that one much better than this summer,” he said.

Your canceled-flight emergency kit

Airlines say they have been hiring aggressively to deal with staffing shortages and adjusting schedules to improve reliability. Major U.S. carriers completed 99.3 percent of their flights in September and October, with 83 percent arriving on time, excluding those impacted by Hurricane Ian, according to the trade group Airlines for America.

Berg said airlines have been “very conservative” in scheduling for the remainder of 2022 to avoid overextending their fleets and staffing, which should allow them to fly the routes they planned.

“My expectation is that we’ll only see run-of-the-mill disruption, so think late tropical storms, blizzards, ice, snow — the more normal weather-based and every once in a while some equipment-based delays,” Berg said. Hopper expects the worst airports for delays to be Newark, Dallas Love Field and Miami.

Disruption remains top of mind for many air travelers, and Berg said about one-in-five customers are opting to buy Hopper’s Flight Disruption Guarantee , which allows for instant free rebooking in case of a flight disruption.

Storms could slow your return trip

In another relief to travelers, weather across most of the country is expected to be dry and mild on Wednesday, the busiest travel day, The Washington Post’s Capital Weather Gang reports .

Return travel could be more tricky. A storm system may bring rain and snow to the Northeast between Friday and the weekend, but meteorologists remain unsure of its intensity, so keep an eye on the forecast.

The South and Tennessee Valley are likely to see warm temperatures with some intermittent showers through the weekend. Rain is possible across most of Texas on Friday.

The Plains, Upper Midwest and Great Lakes, meanwhile, are expected to remain mostly dry and clear. The West should be mild and dry, with some rain possible in the Pacific Northwest.

Traveling? Here’s your region-by-region Thanksgiving forecast.

Last-minute deals on flights and hotels

The average Thanksgiving flight ticket was averaging around $380 round trip as of Thursday, with the price increasing $15 or more per day until the holiday, according to Berg.

“If you have not booked your Thanksgiving travel, you should book it today — right now — because prices are only going to increase from here,” Berg said.

Holiday travel prices are climbing high. Here’s how to save money.

Few deals remain, but if you’re looking for a last-minute getaway , flights to Atlanta are averaging around $100 and warm-weather destinations like Cancún, Mexico and Puerto Rico are around $400, she said. Travelers might also be able to score a cheap last-minute flight to Las Vegas and Nashville, where prices are averaging $321 and $345, respectively, according to Kayak.

On the hotel side, travelers might actually be able to benefit from waiting to book until the day they arrive, when hotels drop their rates as much as 25 percent to compete for the last-minute bookings, Berg noted. These deals are usually found in major cities with large hotel inventories, except for New York (because of its Thanksgiving parade) and leisure destinations like Miami.

“Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Dallas, Denver — pretty much any city that has a lot of hotel options, you’re going to see last minute deals,” Berg said.

It’s cheaper to travel early next year

Your money will go much further if you sit out holiday travel and book a trip for early in 2023.

Hopper, along with 75 airline and hotel partners, will host its annual Travel Deal Tuesday sale on Nov. 29, which will see 50 percent more deals than the average day, according to the company. On that day, average domestic airfare will be about $50 cheaper and international flights will drop by $160, and Hopper adds additional promotional discounts, Berg said.

Travelers staying home for the holidays should consider booking their travel for mid-January, when domestic flights will be 28 percent cheaper and international flights will be 25 percent cheaper, according to Kayak.

“Those are very significant step downs that are worth waiting for,” Bueller said.

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Thanksgiving travel is back in a big way in 2022—Here’s how to avoid the worst of it, and that big storm brewing later this week

While Thanksgiving is a day of food and family, the journey to the dining room table can be a harrowing one, especially if you’re traveling with kids.

Your window to beat the crowds? That’s closed unfortunately. The Transportation Security Administration says the Tuesday and Wednesday before Thanksgiving and the Sunday after Thanksgiving are often the busiest travel days of the year. And AAA predicts 54.6 million people will travel 50 miles or more this year.

While you’re unlikely to avoid crowds altogether, you might be able to avoid the worst of them with a little planning.

Thanksgiving travel by car

If you’re driving, as most people traveling this year are, the worst traffic will be Wednesday between 11:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. You can also expect crowded roads on Thursday between 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. as people head to and from dinner.

For return trips, roads will be busiest between 4:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., meaning an early start could save you some headaches.

If you’re traveling through some big cities, the worst times will vary, depending on your route. Here are estimates from AAA on the increases over typical traffic some cities will see:

Worst corridor: I-85 South; Clairmont Rd to MLK Jr Dr Worst day and time: Wednesday 1:30-3:30 p.m. Increase over typical traffic: 105%

Worst corridor: I-290 West, Morgan Street to Wolf Road Worst day: Wednesday 3-5 p.m. Increase over typical traffic: 99%

Worst corridor: I-10 West; Sjolander Rd to TX-330 Worst day and time : Wednesday 3:45-5:45 p.m. Increase over typical traffic: 81%

Los Angeles

Worst corridor: I-5 South, Colorado Street to Florence Avenue Worst day and time: Wednesday 5:30-7:30 p.m. Increase over typical traffic: 144%

Worst corridor: I-278 South, I-495 to 6th Ave Worst day and time: Wednesday 2:45-4:45 p.m. Increase over typical traffic: 158%

Thanksgiving travel by air

With staff shortages and, in many cases, a reduced number of flights , flying is going to be rough this year, though carriers are trying to avoid the troubles they faced this summer.

Flying on Thanksgiving morning could offer you some relief, but odds are if you’re flying for the holidays, you’ve already purchased your tickets, so advice about the best days and times won’t help a lot. There are still a few ways to make things easier, though.

• Get TSA Pre-Check, Clear or other security expediting service. You’ll pay (roughly) between $100 and $200, but it will help if the security lines are backed up and you’re running late.
• Make an advance “fast pass” reservation to head to the front of the security line. This free service isn’t available in all airports, but if you’re traveling through Charleston, SC; Dallas-fort Worth; JFK in New York; LAX in Los Angeles; Newark; Orlando; Phoenix; or Seattle, you can make an advance reservation to pass through TSA lines without a wait.
• Travel with only a carry-on if you can manage it. Luggage pick-up can add a considerable amount of time to your trip.
• Know what you can and can’t bring on board. Turkeys? Yes. Gravy? No.

A big storm could make getting home a bit challenging

The weather shouldn’t be a factor for most people when it comes to getting to your destination this year. Getting home, though, could be another matter.

Forecasters at AccuWeather warn that a developing storm system could cause headaches. It will start in the Northwest with rain and snow on Tuesday before pushing into the southern Plains on Thanksgiving, where it’s expected to intensify.

By the end of the holiday weekend, the eastern seaboard could be under some rough conditions, which would result in flight delays in Atlanta, New York and other hubs—and which will make driving more challenging, especially with more people on the road. Ultimately, it will all come down to how fast the storm moves.

Travelers , keep your fingers crossed for a quick moving one, which should let you avoid bad weather.

Our new weekly Impact Report newsletter will examine how ESG news and trends are shaping the roles and responsibilities of today's executives—and how they can best navigate those challenges. Subscribe here .

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Thanksgiving travel forecast: Roads, runways will be jammed, experts say

What should i expect for air travel this holiday season.

During the summer, there were countless delays and cancelations on flights across the U.S. FOX 5 New York's Lissette Nunez spoke with LiveNOW from FOX's Josh Breslow about what to expect this holiday travel season.

Higher gas prices and more expensive plane tickets don’t appear to be keeping people home for the holidays: Thanksgiving travel is expected to be among the busiest we’ve seen in decades.

Auto club AAA estimates that 54.6 million people will travel 50 miles or more from home this Thanksgiving — a 1.5% increase over 2021 and 98% of pre-pandemic volumes. This year is expected to be the third-busiest for holiday travel since AAA started tracking the numbers in 2000.

Here’s what you can expect on highways and at airports for Thanksgiving this year.

Cities with the worst Thanksgiving holiday traffic

Thanksgiving is one of the busiest holidays for driving, and this year will be no different. According to data compiled by INRIX, severe congestion is expected in several U.S. metro areas, with some drivers experiencing more than double the normal delays. The busiest highways will be in Atlanta, Chicago, New York City and Los Angeles.

Traffic slows on the Harbor Freeway in downtown Los Angeles on Thanksgiving getaway day on Wednesday, Nov. 24, 2021. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

Here are the cities with the worst Thanksgiving traffic:

Atlanta peak traffic time: 1:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 23 Boston peak traffic time: 2:15 p.m. - 4:15 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 23 Chicago peak traffic time: 3 p.m. -5 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 23 Detroit peak traffic time: 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 23 Houston peak traffic time: 3:45 - 5:45 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 23 Los Angeles peak traffic time: 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 23 New York peak traffic time: 2:45 p.m. - 4:45 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 23 San Francisco peak traffic time: 4 p.m. - 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 23 Seattle peak traffic time: 4:15 p.m. - 6:15 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 23 Washington DC: 11:15 a.m. - 1:15 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 27

Best and worst times to drive for Thanksgiving

If you can, travel early in the morning on Wednesday or before 11 a.m. on Thanksgiving Day. Experts say to avoid travel between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. the Friday, Saturday and Sunday after Thanksgiving.

Traffic travels along I-395 on November 24, 2021 in Washington, DC. AAA says that 90% of Thanksgiving travelers will be traveling by car, with more than 53 million people traveling in total in the days leading up to the holiday. (Photo by Anna Moneym

"Although travel times will peak on Wednesday afternoon nationally, travelers should expect much heavier than normal congestion throughout the holiday weekend," said Bob Pishue, a transportation analyst for INRIX. "Knowing when and where congestion will build can help drivers avoid the stress of sitting in traffic."

Worst driving times for Thanksgiving:

— Wednesday, Nov. 23: 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. — Thursday, Nov. 24: 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. — Friday, Nov. 25: 4 p.m. - 8 p.m. — Saturday, Nov. 26: 4 p.m. - 8 p.m. — Sunday, Nov. 27: 4 p.m. - 8 p.m.

Best driving times for Thanksgiving:

— Wednesday, Nov. 23: Before 8 a.m. and after 8 p.m. — Thursday, Nov. 24: Before 11 a.m. and after 6 p.m. — Friday, Nov. 25: Before 11 a.m. and after 8 p.m. — Saturday, Nov. 26: Before 2 p.m. and after 8 p.m. — Sunday, Nov. 27: Before 11 a.m. and after 8 p.m.

Flying will cost you more this year

According to AAA, air travel is up nearly 8% over 2021, with roughly 4.5 million people planning to fly to their Thanksgiving destinations. That’s an increase of more than 330,000 travelers and nearly 99% of the 2019 volume.

An American Airlines jet takes off at Laguardia AIrport on November 10, 2022 in the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

Government data shows that airfares in October were up 43% from a year earlier , and U.S. airlines reported a combined profit of more than $2.4 billion in the third quarter.

READ MORE: Fly now, pay later: Here’s how you can book a flight but pay for it next year

Part of the reason for high fares is that airlines are still operating fewer flights than in 2019 even though passenger numbers are nearly back to pre-pandemic levels.

Here are some tips for your holiday air travel:

— Reserve an airport parking space ahead of time and arrive early. Spots fill up fast during the holidays.  — Anticipate long TSA lines. Arrive earlier than you would for a normal flight.  — If possible, avoid checking a bag to allow for more flexibility if flights are delayed or canceled.

Best and worst days to fly for Thanksgiving

Travelers are seen going through Hartsfield Jackson International Airport in Atlanta, Georgia (Photo by Nathan Posner/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)

The Sunday after Thanksgiving is brutal for airport crowds . For every 100 people who flew on Thanksgiving Day 2021, there were 177 people flying out on the Sunday after, according to TSA.

That same Sunday was the year’s single busiest airport travel day in both 2019 and 2021 . In 2020, the busiest days were largely concentrated in January and February, before the widespread impact of COVID-19, which would reduce holiday travel later in the year.

READ MORE: Passenger crawls off plane after allegedly being asked to pay for wheelchair service

Here’s a look at the days surrounding Thanksgiving week over the past three years, ranked in order of most to fewest air travelers at the TSA’s U.S. checkpoints:

— Sunday after Thanksgiving (most crowded). — Wednesday before. — Saturday after. — Friday before. — Monday after (Cyber Monday). — Sunday before. — Tuesday before. — Monday before. — Saturday before. — Tuesday after (Giving Tuesday). — Friday after (Black Friday). — Wednesday after. — Thanksgiving Day (least crowded).

Assuming past trends continue in 2022, expect Sunday, Nov. 27, to be the busiest travel day around Thanksgiving, followed by Wednesday, Nov. 23. Even if you fly out one day ahead of the biggest crowds, Saturday, Nov. 26, will also likely be busy.

And this year, crowds will likely be bigger than they were over the past couple of years.

More people taking buses, trains

Luxury bus travel is 'not just a trend,' operators say.

With the headaches of pandemic-era airline travel, luxury bus lines bill themselves as a cheaper and more convenient alternative.

INRIX data predicts more than 1.4 million travelers will take a bus, train or even a cruise ship to reach their holiday destination. That’s an increase of 23% from 2021 and 96% of the 2019 volume.

READ MORE: These luxury bus lines hope to redefine travel in America

"With travel restrictions lifted and more people comfortable taking public transportation again, it’s no surprise buses, trains, and cruises are coming back in a big way," said Paula Twidale, AAA’s senior vice president of travel.

Looking ahead to Christmas travel

Christmas airport crowds can be trickier to predict than Thanksgiving crowds given that the holiday falls on a different weekday each year and that air travel patterns are often dictated by the workweek.

Boston, MA - December 25: Travelers wait in line to check their bags after arriving to Boston Logan International Airport on Christmas Day, December 25, 2021. (Photo by Erin Clark/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)

One of the busiest travel days of the year, Dec. 23 — the day before Christmas Eve — happens to fall on a Friday this year. Friday is typically the busiest travel day in any given week. Dec. 23 is not an official holiday, but many holiday travelers may leave on that day.

Just as the Sunday after Thanksgiving tends to draw huge crowds, the days just after Christmas are wildly popular. And much like how few people travel on Thanksgiving Day itself, relatively few people travel on Christmas Day or New Year’s Day.

READ MORE: Christmas shoppers plan to buy real trees despite higher costs

Here’s a look at Christmas and the seven calendar dates before and after over the past three years, ranked by most to fewest average air travelers, based on TSA checkpoint data:

— Dec. 27 (most crowded). — Dec. 23. — Dec. 20. — Dec. 26. — Dec. 30. — Dec. 19. — Dec. 29. — Dec. 22. — Dec 28. — Dec 21. — Dec. 18. — Jan. 1 (New Year’s Day). — Dec. 24 (Christmas Eve). — Dec. 31 (New Year’s Eve). — Dec. 25 (Christmas Day) (least crowded).

FOX’s Chris Williams and The Associated Press contributed to this report. 

Simple Flying

Faa says thanksgiving travel peak will be tuesday.

Officials said travel volumes will look similar to numbers pre-pandemic, while Chicago will see passenger numbers increase by more than five percent.

The day before Thanksgiving and the Sunday following the holiday are traditionally the busiest travel days in the US. But this year, officials expect high passenger numbers a bit earlier as airports across the country advise travelers to pack extra time with them embarking on their journey to see loved ones this week.

On Monday, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said Tuesday, November 22nd, will be one of the busiest travel days before Thanksgiving. With over 48,000 flights scheduled last Friday, November 18th, the agency said those numbers indicate that airports will see crowds increase as the holiday gets closer.

Inside the numbers

According to the FAA's Thanksgiving 2022 Air Travel Forecast, 48,082 flights across the continental US are anticipated on Tuesday, November 22nd, which is at least 1,000 more flights than any other day this week. The agency said the busiest route on Tuesday is between Washington (DCA) and Boston (BOS) , with 34 scheduled flights.

Sunday, November 27th, ranks second in terms of the busiest travel day around Thanksgiving. The FAA is anticipating 46,790 flights on Sunday, which is 1,292 flights less than the anticipated amount on Tuesday. Since it is the final day before the beginning of the work week, the Sunday following the holiday typically sees busy airport crowds every year.

From November 19th to November 27th, the FAA estimates nearly 400,000 flights to soar over the US, with 23,000 flights scheduled on Thanksgiving Day.

According to the Associated Press, for every 100 people who flew on Thanksgiving Day 2021, 177 were flying out the Sunday after. The trend was also apparent on the same day in 2019, making the Sunday after Thanksgiving the single busiest airport travel day in 2019 and 2021. Passenger numbers during the 2020 holiday season were significantly lower due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Get all the latest aviation news right here on Simple Flying

A bustling Chi-Town

The news comes as the city of Chicago prepares for a massive increase in passenger numbers this week. Over the next week, the Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) expects approximately 1.7 million travelers between Chicago O'Hare International Airport and Chicago Midway International Airport based on projections from airline carriers. The estimate is a 6.6% increase over the same period last year.

CDA Commissioner Jamie L. Rhee, on Monday, spoke about the anticipated high passenger numbers.

“The CDA appreciates the valuable role that O’Hare and Midway play in bringing friends and families together from across the nation and the world to gather at Thanksgiving dinner tables. We have no higher priority this holiday season than providing a safe and secure environment for all of our passengers, employees and the entire aviation community.”

O'Hare Airport is expected to see a passenger increase of 2.7% compared to last year's travel period. Airlines project that Sunday, November 27th, will be the airport's busiest day. Midway Airport is projected to experience an increase in passengers of approximately 24.1% compared to last year, with the most active day expected to be Wednesday, November 23rd, according to the CDA.

The focus on customer service

In light of numerous flight cancellations and delays this year due to aircraft maintenance problems and pilot shortages, the FAA said on its website that passengers would have a resource if their flight gets interrupted this holiday season.

"The Department of Transportation (DOT) has launched an interactive Customer Service Dashboard to provide travelers with up-to-date airline customer service policies on controllable cancellations and delays to ensure customers have easy access to information when problems arise," the agency said.

The FAA also said that airlines must adhere to their promises in their customer service plan and that the DOT will hold airlines accountable if they fail to do so. Last month, several airlines opposed the DOT's plan to update its airline customer service dashboard .

Source: Associated Press

Chicago O'Hare International Airport

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Traveling for Thanksgiving? These are the busiest days to fly during the winter holidays

Most weeks of the year, Fridays are the busiest days to fly, and Tuesdays are the least busy. But during the holidays, that trend doesn’t necessarily hold true.

In most years, the Sunday after Thanksgiving is actually the busiest travel day for U.S. airports, according to the Transportation Security Administration, which tracks the numbers of passengers screened daily. Two days before Christmas and one day before Thanksgiving also tend to draw big airport crowds.

Here’s a breakdown of the best and worst days to fly during the winter holidays, and how you can strategize schedules to avoid crowds and save money.

THE BUSIEST DAYS TO FLY AROUND THANKSGIVING

The Sunday after Thanksgiving is brutal for airport crowds. For every 100 people who flew on Thanksgiving Day 2021, there were 177 people flying out on the Sunday after, according to TSA.

That same Sunday was the year’s single busiest airport travel day in both 2019 and 2021. In 2020, the busiest days were largely concentrated in January and February, before the widespread impact of COVID-19, which would reduce holiday travel later in the year.

Here’s a look at the days surrounding Thanksgiving week over the past three years, ranked in order of most to fewest air travelers at the TSA’s U.S. checkpoints:

— Sunday after Thanksgiving (most crowded).

— Wednesday before.

— Saturday after.

— Friday before.

— Monday after (Cyber Monday).

— Sunday before.

— Tuesday before.

— Monday before.

— Saturday before.

— Tuesday after (Giving Tuesday).

— Friday after (Black Friday).

— Wednesday after.

— Thanksgiving Day (least crowded).

Assuming past trends continue in 2022, expect Sunday, Nov. 27, to be the  busiest travel day around Thanksgiving , followed by Wednesday, Nov. 23. Even if you fly out one day ahead of the biggest crowds, Saturday, Nov. 26, will also likely be busy.

And this year, crowds will likely be bigger than they were over the past couple of years.

“Thanksgiving travel volumes are looking similar to what we typically saw pre-pandemic in 2019,” says Hayley Berg, lead economist at travel booking app Hopper.

THE BUSIEST DAYS TO FLY AROUND CHRISTMAS

Christmas airport crowds can be trickier to predict than Thanksgiving crowds given that the holiday falls on a different weekday each year and that air travel patterns are often dictated by the workweek.

But just as the Sunday after Thanksgiving tends to draw huge crowds, the days just after Christmas are wildly popular. And much like how few people travel on Thanksgiving Day itself, relatively few people travel on Christmas Day or New Year’s Day.

Here’s a look at Christmas and the seven calendar dates before and after over the past three years, ranked by most to fewest average air travelers, based on TSA checkpoint data:

— Dec. 27 (most crowded).

— Jan. 1 (New Year’s Day).

— Dec. 24 (Christmas Eve).

— Dec. 31 (New Year’s Eve).

— Dec. 25 (Christmas Day) (least crowded).

The 2022 holiday travel season will be different because Hanukkah, which begins on the 25th of Kislev in the Hebrew calendar, aligns closely with Christmas. While the eight -day celebration sometimes happens in November or early December, it begins this year on Dec. 18 and runs through Dec. 26.

There’s also the weeklong celebration of Kwanzaa, which runs from Dec. 26 through Jan. 1. Thus, travelers during that period might be celebrating more than just Christmas, potentially concentrating more holiday crowds in airports than in other years.

What’s more is that one of the busiest travel days of the year, Dec. 23 — the day before Christmas Eve — happens to fall on a Friday this year. Friday, you’ll recall, is typically the busiest travel day in any given week. Dec. 23 is not an official holiday, but many holiday travelers may leave on that day.

HOW TO CHOOSE LESS CROWDED (AND CHEAPER) TRAVEL DAYS

Traveling on the holiday itself is often the best way to avoid crowds. Catch the first flight out for the day, and you might arrive in time for evening festivities. Taking early flights is also considered good practice to reduce your odds of a flight delay. In the first eight months of 2022, 7.3% of flights were delayed because an aircraft arrived late, according to Bureau of Transportation Statistics data.

If you can take the days off work or work remotely, then it can make sense to fly as long before or after a holiday as possible.

Travelers can save an average of 15% by departing the first half of the week instead of the Thursday or Friday before Christmas this year, according to flight data from travel search engine Expedia. Average ticket prices for departures on the Monday before Thanksgiving are 15% cheaper than Wednesday departures, Expedia also found.

Or consider celebrating something like an un-Thanksgiving, where you shift the family dinner by a couple of days or weeks. Turkey, potatoes and pumpkin pie don’t need to be reserved for the fourth Thursday of November.

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One of the Busiest Travel Days of the Thanksgiving Holiday Begins

Wednesday marks one of the busiest travel days of the holiday week, but things could get worse, by francie swidler • published november 23, 2022 • updated on november 23, 2022 at 7:39 am.

Planning to travel for the Thanksgiving holiday? You certainly won't be alone.

Wednesday marks one of the busiest travel days of the holiday week, but things could get worse.

Watch NBC Chicago local news and weather for free 24/7

Thanksgiving this year falls on Thursday Nov. 24, and just as some are preparing turkeys, green bean casserole and grandma's famous mashed potatoes, others are preparing to pack their bags and hit the road - or the skies.

The Chicago Department of Aviation predicts as many as 1.7 million travelers will fly through O’Hare and Midway International Airports between Tuesday, Nov. 22 and Monday, Nov. 28 for the holiday weekend. That marks a 6.6% increase over the same period last year. 

Feeling out of the loop? We'll catch you up on the Chicago news you need to know. Sign up for the weekly Chicago Catch-Up newsletter here.

“The CDA appreciates the valuable role that O’Hare and Midway play in bringing friends and families together from across the nation and the world to gather at Thanksgiving dinner tables,” CDA Commissioner Jamie L. Rhee said in a statement. “We have no higher priority this holiday season than providing a safe and secure environment for all of our passengers, employees and the entire aviation community.” 

Meanwhile, AAA predicts nearly 55 million Americans will travel for the Thanksgiving holiday this year, with the majority of those people -- 49 million of them, to be exact -- driving to their destination. Overall, AAA says, 2022 is likely to be the third busiest travel year for Thanksgiving since 2000.

“Thanksgiving is one of the busiest holidays for road trips, and this year will be no different,” Bob Pishue, transportation analyst at INRIX said in a release .

Demolition at Spring Hill Mall expected to begin this summer

Chicago Forecast: Windy conditions, summer-like temperatures ahead of evening storms

According to INRIX, highways in and around Chicago, Atlanta, New York City and Los Angeles are expected to be the most congested.

In the city specifically, I-290 West from Morgan Street to Wolf Road is expected to see a 99% percent increase in traffic the Wednesday before the holiday during rush hour, INRIX says.

So, when's the best time to hit the road?

According to INRIX, the best bet was to get going on Monday or Tuesday. But if you haven't left already, here are your next best options.

Best times to leave :

• 11/23: Before 8 a.m. or after 8 p.m.
• 11/24: Before 11 a.m. or after 6 p.m.
• 11/25: Before 11 a.m. or after 8 p.m.
• 11/26: Before 2 p.m. or after 8 p.m.
• 11/27: Before 11 a.m. or after 8 p.m.

When it comes to the worst times to leave, here are the hours you'll want to avoid, INRIX says.

Worst times to leave:

• 11/23: 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.
• 11/24: 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
• 11/25: 4 p.m. - 8 p.m.
• 11/26: 4 p.m. - 8 p.m.
• 11/27: 4 p.m. - 8 p.m.

Meanwhile, for air travelers, here’s a look at the days surrounding Thanksgiving week over the past three years, ranked in order of most to fewest air travelers at the TSA’s U.S. checkpoints:

• Sunday after Thanksgiving (most crowded).
• Wednesday before.
• Saturday after.
• Friday before.
• Monday after (Cyber Monday).
• Sunday before.
• Tuesday before.
• Monday before.
• Saturday before.
• Tuesday after (Giving Tuesday).
• Friday after (Black Friday).
• Wednesday after.
• Thanksgiving Day (least crowded).

Assuming past trends continue in 2022, expect Sunday, Nov. 27, to be the busiest travel day around Thanksgiving, followed by Wednesday, Nov. 23. Even if you fly out one day ahead of the biggest crowds, Saturday, Nov. 26, will also likely be busy.

And this year, crowds will likely be bigger than they were over the past couple of years.

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The Busiest Days to Fly During the Winter Holidays

Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money .

Most weeks of the year, Friday is the busiest day for air travel, and Tuesday is the least busy day. During the holidays, though, that doesn’t necessarily hold true.

In most years, the Sunday after Thanksgiving is the busiest travel day at U.S. airports, according to the Transportation Security Administration, which tracks the number of passengers screened daily. The two days after Christmas also see heavy travel. And since Christmas falls on a Monday this year, that might mean an abnormally busy Tuesday and Wednesday of that week.

To avoid crowds and save money, consider skipping the busy days and book your flights on one of the slower ones. Here’s a breakdown of the best and worst days to fly during the winter holidays, and how you can strategize to avoid crowds and save money.

» Learn more: Popular airline cards used to book holiday travel

The busiest days to fly around Thanksgiving

The Sunday after Thanksgiving is brutal for airport crowds. Last year, about 83% more people flew on the Sunday after Thanksgiving than on Thanksgiving Day, according to TSA data, making it the busiest travel day of 2022.

That same Sunday was also the year’s single busiest airport travel day in both 2019 and 2021. In 2020, the busiest days of the year for air travel were largely concentrated in January and February, before the widespread impact of COVID-19, which would reduce holiday travel later in the year.

Here’s a look at the days surrounding Thanksgiving week over the past four years, ranked in order of most to fewest air travelers at the TSA’s U.S. checkpoints:

Assuming past trends continue in 2023, expect Sunday, Nov. 26, to be the busiest travel day around Thanksgiving , followed by Wednesday, Nov. 22. Even if you fly out one day ahead of the biggest crowds, Saturday, Nov. 25, will also likely be busy.

And this year, crowds will likely be bigger based on the fact that past 2023 holidays have already set air travel records. For example, 2023’s Fourth of July weekend set records for U.S. air travel. More than 2.884 million people passed through TSA checkpoints on the Friday before July 4, according to TSA checkpoint data. That topped the previous record, which was on the Sunday after Thanksgiving 2019, when a recorded 2.882 million people passed through TSA checkpoints.

The busiest days to fly around Christmas

Christmas airport crowds can be trickier to predict than Thanksgiving crowds given that the holiday falls on a different day of the week each year and air travel patterns are often dictated by the workweek. This year, Christmas falls on a Monday.

But just as the Sunday after Thanksgiving tends to draw huge crowds, the days just after Christmas are wildly popular . And much like how few people travel on Thanksgiving Day itself, relatively few people travel on Christmas Day or New Year’s Day.

Here’s a look at Christmas and the seven calendar dates before and after over the past four years, ranked by most to fewest average air travelers, based on TSA checkpoint data:

This year, you might expect Friday, Dec. 22, to be particularly busy. Friday is typically the busiest travel day in any given week, and — especially during Christmas week — many holiday travelers may leave on that day.

According to Chase Travel, Friday, Dec. 22, is one of the top three busiest days across all flights booked in either December 2023 or January 2024 (the other two busiest days are Saturday, Dec. 23, and Saturday, Dec. 30). Similarly, booking site Hopper anticipates that day having the highest fare for the Christmas season.

This holiday travel season may see some relief, though. Hanukkah, which begins on the 25th of Kislev in the Hebrew calendar, can sometimes align closely with Christmas. The eight-day celebration ran from Dec. 18-26 in 2022, but this year will commence on Dec. 15 — likely before the Christmas crowds start.

Another consideration for travel is that the weeklong celebration of Kwanzaa runs from Dec. 26 through Jan. 1.

How to choose less crowded (and cheaper) travel days

The holiday travel season is always expensive, but there is some decrease from last year's prices. Airfares for Christmas trips are averaging $400 according to Hopper data. That’s down 12%, or about $52 per ticket, from last year. The bad news is that it's still 29% higher than holiday airfares were in 2019.

Travel on the holiday: Traveling on the holiday is often the best way to avoid crowds and save money. Last year, 23.4% more people flew on the day after Christmas versus Christmas Day, which fell on a Sunday.

And that demand has a strong effect on prices. According to Hopper, domestic flights on Christmas Day average about 26% less than peak prices.

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Book morning flights: If you are traveling on the holiday, catch the first flight out for the day and you might arrive in time for evening festivities. Taking early flights is also considered good practice to reduce your odds of a flight delay . In the first half of 2023, 7.8% of flights were delayed because an aircraft arrived late, according to Bureau of Transportation Statistics data.

Stay longer: If you can take the days off or work remotely, then it can make sense to fly as long before or after a holiday as possible.

For Thanksgiving, Hopper recommends flying the Monday of Thanksgiving week and returning any weekday the following week. The Sunday after Thanksgiving is historically the busiest day to fly, so extending your trip by just one day can save you money. According to Hopper, airfares average 40% less on the Monday after Thanksgiving versus the Sunday after.

For Christmas, Hopper recommends departing the Monday or Tuesday before Christmas weekend and returning midweek following the holiday.

Skip holiday travel completely: If you don’t mind celebrating in an unconventional way, consider participating in something like an un-holiday, where you shift the celebration by a couple of days or weeks.

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Best & Worst Days to Fly & Travel for the Holidays – Christmas & New Year’s 2024

As seen in our 2023 Christmas Travel Survey , 50.44% of American adults plan to travel to a vacation destination or holiday gathering for Christmas this year.

There are a limited number of flights available for Christmas and New Year’s, so it is important to book as early as possible for the best prices (ideally you have already booked your holiday travel). Additionally, some days are much better than others to fly when it comes to crowds and cost. This guide will detail how far in advance to book holiday travel as well as the best and worst days to fly.

Table of Contents

How Far in Advance to Book Holiday Travel

Ideally, you should book your Thanksgiving and Christmas flights many months in advance. As a rule, we suggest booking domestic flights at least one to three months in advance. For international flights, you should book at least two to eight months in advance, but the earlier the better. For the holidays, you should book even earlier if possible to guarantee a desirable route, time, seat, and price.

With Thanksgiving over, here are our recommended cutoff dates for booking Christmas flights for the 2023 holiday season.

Christmas (book before Thanksgiving)

The best deals on Christmas flights are usually available through late August and early September . If possible, book even earlier in June or July. At the latest, you should book by Thanksgiving, but the earlier the better. If it is December and you still do not have a flight, you should expect to pay a premium. Additionally, you will likely only have undesirable flight times to choose from with the potential for one or more connections. Here is a ranking of our recommended booking times.

• June, July, and August  – Best combination of inventory and cheap prices
• Early through Middle September  – Still a great time
• Early October  – Google’s recommendation. Cheap prices but lower inventory
• Thanksgiving  – Book Christmas flights by Thanksgiving at the latest
• December  – High prices and poor flights (connections, middle seats, bad times, etc.)

Further Reading: When to Book Christmas Flights – Best & Worst Times

Thanksgiving (book before Halloween)

I recommend booking your Thanksgiving flight by late August or early September for the best price. If possible, book in June or July. Book international flights even earlier. If you wait too long, you should aim to book by Halloween at the latest. While it is possible to get a decent deal after Halloween, your chances dramatically decrease. Your odds of finding a desirable flight time also go down when booking after Halloween. Here is a ranking of our recommended times.

• Early October  – Deals are still available but desirable flights may be limited
• Halloween  – Book Thanksgiving flights by Halloween at the latest
• November  – High prices and poor flights (connections, middle seats, bad times, etc.)

Further Reading: When to Book Thanksgiving Flights – Best & Worst Times

Best & Worst Days to Fly for the Holidays

Being on a Thursday every year, the best and worst days to fly for Thanksgiving are predictable. Christmas is a little more difficult since it does not fall on the same day of the week every year. Here are the days you should target and the days you should avoid this holiday season. To come up with our best and worst dates forecast, we sampled hundreds of flight prices around Thanksgiving and Christmas. Our sample included numerous departure and arrival cities around the United States.

Christmas (best departure and return dates)

Our 2023 Christmas Travel Survey shows 50.44% of American adults plan to travel to a vacation destination or gathering. Since Christmas falls on a different day every year, the best days to fly change. Other things such as school and business closures affect the dates too. Christmas can fall on a weekend (as it did in 2022), which further complicates things. Generally, the worst day to fly for Christmas is December 23, but that is not a hard rule.

Best Christmas Travel Dates for 2023

The earlier you depart the week before Christmas the better. Americans will look to get a few days of work in before flying out. If possible, fly on Monday, December 18, or Tuesday, December 19. Sunday, December 17 is even better if you can swing it. Flying on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day is ideal for cheaper prices and fewer crowds too, but you may not want to travel on a holiday.

Christmas falls on a Monday this year, so many people will fly home the day after. Tuesday, December 26 and Wednesday, December 27 will be popular travel days, so try and wait until Thursday or Friday.

Worst Christmas Travel Dates for 2023

The three days before Christmas Eve, the 21st, 22nd, and 23rd, are going to be busy travel days. I recommend avoiding them and departing earlier in the week if you can.

Avoid the Tuesday and Wednesday after Christmas for your return flight. Despite being the day after Christmas, many people will fly home on Tuesday or Wednesday so they can return to work for a few days before the weekend.

New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day Travel Tips

We recommend flying out for New Year’s on Thursday, December 28 or Friday, December 29. Fly home on Wednesday January 3 or Thursday January 4. While it is not ideal, flying out on the night of New Year’s Eve or the morning of New Year’s Day is generally cheap. Unfortunately, you will probably miss New Year’s Eve activities if you opt for an evening flight. An early New Year’s Day flight is not optimal either unless you can go bed very early on New Year’s Eve.

Avoid flying out on Saturday, December 30 and the morning of December 31.

Thanksgiving (best departure and return dates)

Our 2023 Thanksgiving Travel Survey shows more than 45.21% of American adults intend to travel to a vacation destination or holiday gathering last year. That means tens of millions of people will fight over seats for a very limited number of flights.

Best Thanksgiving Travel Dates for 2023

As the table shows, you want to depart early during the week. If possible, Sunday is even better than Monday. While not ideal, Thanksgiving Day is a great day to fly . Black Friday is also a good day to fly if you can swing a shorter trip.

Most people return home the Sunday after Thanksgiving, so aim to fly back on the Friday or Monday after Turkey Day. If you can wait another day, Tuesday is even better than Monday.

Worst Thanksgiving Travel Dates for 2023

Avoid the Wednesday before Thanksgiving at all costs. It is one of the most popular days of the year to fly, and it is expensive. Additionally, airports are always packed, so it is an extra stressful experience.

Avoid the Sunday after Thanksgiving for your return flight. Most people fly that day to get home before the workweek. I recommend flying home on Friday or Monday or Tuesday.

Average Holiday Flight Prices for 2023 – Thanksgiving ($300) and Christmas ($400)

With November here, flight prices are increasing for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Expect to pay on average $300 for a roundtrip Flight for Thanksgiving. For Christmas, expect to pay on average $400 for a roundtrip flight.

Those prices will vary by your destination and dates of travel, so we recommend doing your homework before booking. If possible, travel on our recommended days and avoid the worst days.

We’ve found many domestic Thanksgiving and Christmas flights for under $200. We’ve also found various international Thanksgiving and Christmas flights for under $500.

Flexibility is the key to finding the absolute cheapest holiday flights. Use the Google Flights Explore map to find the best flight deals from your home airport or city around Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Travel is Recovering for the 2023 Holiday Season

On most days, hundreds of thousands more travelers are going through TSA checkpoints compared to the same day as last year. For 2023, we expect holiday travel numbers to resemble or surpass 2019, which is the most recent pre-pandemic year.

Further Reading: What to Do if Your Airline Cancels or Delays Your Flight and How to Avoid Airline Flight Delays & Cancellations

Other Tips For Scoring a Cheap Holiday Flight Deal

Check out our guide to finding and booking cheap flights for additional tips. A few of the major tips may not be applicable with holiday travel (being very flexible on dates and destinations), but other guidelines can help. Here are a few of them.

• Do: Start With Google Flights
• Do: Be Open to Different Nearby Departure and Arrival Airports
• Do: Be Open to All Airlines
• Do: Be Open to Flights With Connections
• Don’t: Waste Your Time Clearing Cookies
• Don’t: Waste Your Time Browsing in Incognito

Additionally, our best websites to book cheap flights guide and top airline credit cards tutorial can help you save even more money.

Further Reading: Clearing Cookies or Searching Incognito Does Not Show Cheaper Flight Prices

The best days to fly for Thanksgiving are the Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday before Turkey Day.

The worst day to fly for Thanksgiving is the Wednesday before.

The best days are the Friday, Monday, and Tuesday after Turkey Day. The worst day is the Sunday after Thanksgiving.

It is, but it is not ideal for most people.

It is, but most people do not want to fly home on the day after Thanksgiving.

Book by the middle of September at the latest for the best price, but you should ideally book earlier. Book even earlier for international flights. Do not wait until after Halloween to book.

It depends since Christmas is on a different day each year. Shoot for at least a few days before Christmas Eve.

Avoid the two days before Christmas Eve.

It depends since Christmas is on a different day each year. Shoot for at least a few days after Christmas.

Book by the middle of September for the best price. Book even earlier for international flights. Do not wait until after Thanksgiving to book.

The Vacationer’s Final Thoughts

Ideally, you have already booked your 2023 holiday travel. If you have not done so already, there is still time to get a deal, but you need to move quickly. Shoot for the dates discussed in the article and avoid the bad ones. After the holidays are over, follow our best days of the week to fly and our best day of the week to book flights guides.

By Phil Dengler

In addition to being a co-founder of The Vacationer, Phil Dengler is also the head of editorial and marketing. Previously, he ran a popular holiday deals website where he was a trusted source for all things Black Friday. With The Vacationer, Phil combines his knowledge of deals with his love of travel to help you plan the perfect vacation.

Thanksgiving Travel Survey 2022 — 43%+ to Travel; 66%+ Say Inflation is Affecting Plans; 29% to Spend $501+ on Travel; Cranberry Sauce Most Hated Food

When to Book Thanksgiving Flights – Travel Guide & Tips for 2024

When to Book Christmas Flights – Travel Guide & Tips for 2024

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Busiest Travel Days Thanksgiving 2022

The Thanksgiving holiday is a time for family, friends, and food. It’s also a time when many people hit the road to visit loved ones. If you’re planning to travel during the Thanksgiving holiday in 2022, you’ll want to know which days are going to be the busiest.

According to data from the American Automobile Association (AAA), the busiest travel days for Thanksgiving will be Wednesday, November 24th, and Sunday, November 28th. In fact, the Wednesday before Thanksgiving is expected to be the busiest travel day of the year.

So, if you’re planning on traveling during the Thanksgiving holiday, be sure to plan ahead and expect heavy traffic. Leave early, pack light, and be patient. And, most importantly, have a safe and happy holiday!

• 1 What is the busiest travel day for Thanksgiving holiday?
• 2 What is the busiest holiday travel day of the year?
• 3 Is the day before Thanksgiving the busiest travel day?
• 4 What days are the busiest days to travel?
• 5 Is the day after Thanksgiving a heavy travel day?
• 6 Is Thanksgiving Day a busy day to drive?
• 7 Why is Thanksgiving the busiest travel day of the year in the USA?

What is the busiest travel day for Thanksgiving holiday?

The Wednesday before Thanksgiving is typically the busiest travel day of the year, as millions of people hit the roads, airports, and rails to get to their Thanksgiving destinations. This year is expected to be no different, as AAA forecasts that 48.7 million Americans will travel during the Thanksgiving holiday period.

The most popular mode of transportation for Thanksgiving travel is the automobile, and Wednesday is expected to be the worst day for traffic congestion. The National Traffic Safety Administration (NTSB) has some tips for those hitting the road this Thanksgiving: buckle up, don’t drink and drive, and be patient.

Air travel is also popular during the Thanksgiving holiday, and the Tuesday before Thanksgiving is typically the busiest day at airports. According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, 2.5 million people will fly during the Thanksgiving travel period this year.

If you’re taking the train this Thanksgiving, be prepared for long lines and crowded trains. Amtrak is expecting 1.3 million passengers during the travel period, and the busiest day is expected to be Sunday, November 26.

Whatever mode of transportation you choose, be sure to allow plenty of time for travel and pack your patience!

What is the busiest holiday travel day of the year?

The busiest holiday travel day of the year is typically the day before Christmas, according to the Airlines for America. The trade group reports that more than 25 million Americans will travel by air between December 17 and January 2.

The day with the most travelers is usually December 23, as people try to get home or to their holiday destinations before the Christmas rush. The day after Christmas is also busy, as people return home from their trips.

Airlines prepare for the surge in traffic by adding more flights and staff, and by implementing check-in and boarding procedures that are designed to move passengers through the airport as quickly as possible.

If you’re planning to travel during the holidays, be sure to check the airline’s website for information on how to check in and board your flight. You may also want to arrive at the airport early to avoid any delays.

Is the day before Thanksgiving the busiest travel day?

According to the Airlines for America (A4A), the day before Thanksgiving is the busiest travel day of the year. In 2017, more than 46 million people were expected to travel over the holiday weekend, and the majority of them – about 38 million – were predicted to travel on Wednesday, November 22.

The reason for this is simple: many people want to get their holiday travel out of the way before they have to start dealing with the crowds on Thanksgiving Day. Not only is Wednesday the busiest travel day of the year, but it’s also one of the busiest days of the year for airports. In fact, the A4A reports that Wednesday is the single busiest day of the year for airline travel.

If you’re planning to travel on Wednesday, November 22, be prepared for long lines and crowded airports. Make sure you give yourself plenty of time to get to the airport, and be prepared for delays. And remember, if you’re traveling with checked baggage, make sure you check in online and print your boarding pass ahead of time. This will help you avoid long lines at the airport.

What days are the busiest days to travel?

There’s no one definitive answer to the question of what are the busiest days to travel. However, there are some general trends that can give you a good idea.

For example, the busiest days to travel are generally the days right before and after a major holiday. This is because many people are traveling during those times to visit family or friends. In addition, the days leading up to a major holiday are usually when people are doing their holiday shopping, so they’re likely to be traveling to stores and malls.

Another busy time for travel is the summer vacation season. This is because people often take their vacations during the summer, and airports and highways can be especially crowded.

Finally, the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day is also a very busy time to travel, as many people are returning home after the holidays.

Is the day after Thanksgiving a heavy travel day?

The day after Thanksgiving is one of the busiest travel days of the year. This is because a lot of people use the holiday weekend to travel to their families’ homes or take trips.

The day after Thanksgiving is often called “Black Friday.” This is because it is the day when the Christmas shopping season officially begins. Many stores have special sales that start on Black Friday.

Some people choose to travel on the day after Thanksgiving because the roads and airports are not as crowded as they are on other days. However, it can be difficult to find a place to stay or get a flight or bus ticket on such short notice.

Is Thanksgiving Day a busy day to drive?

There is no definitive answer to this question as it depends on where you live and what your normal routine is like. However, in general, Thanksgiving Day is a busy day to drive. This is because many people are traveling to visit family and friends, and there is often a lot of traffic on the roads.

If you are planning to drive on Thanksgiving Day, be sure to allow plenty of time for your trip. Expect heavy traffic and plan your route accordingly. If possible, try to avoid traveling during the busiest times of the day. And be sure to obey all traffic laws and warnings, as there is likely to be a higher police presence on the roads.

If you are not used to driving in heavy traffic, it is a good idea to practice driving in crowded areas before Thanksgiving Day. This will help you to be more prepared for the busy roads and will help to keep you safe.

Finally, remember to stay calm and patient while driving on Thanksgiving Day. The roads may be congested, but with a little planning and patience, you can make it to your destination safely and on time.

Why is Thanksgiving the busiest travel day of the year in the USA?

Thanksgiving is the busiest travel day of the year in the USA because it coincides with the start of the holiday season. Many people use the long weekend to travel to see family and friends.

Airports and highways are typically very congested on Thanksgiving Day. This can make travel difficult and frustrating. Some people have even reported spending up to eight hours in traffic on Thanksgiving.

The good news is that Thanksgiving is not the only busy travel day of the year. The days leading up to and following Thanksgiving are also very busy. So if you can’t travel on Thanksgiving Day, there are still plenty of opportunities to do so.

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Help! Megabus Canceled My Trip but Won’t Refund the Booking Fee.

A traveler spent $53.98 to reserve a bus ride from Philadelphia to Boston. But the company canceled the trip and returned only $49.99, prompting an 18-month fight over a principle.

By Seth Kugel

Dear Tripped Up,

On Oct. 3, 2022, I reserved a seat in a Megabus coach for the busy Sunday after Thanksgiving to return to Boston after visiting family in Philadelphia. With a $3.99 booking fee, the total came to $53.98. On Oct. 26, I received an email from Megabus canceling the trip “due to a schedule alteration,” and promising a refund. But I only received $49.99. I wrote every few months demanding my $3.99 back, receiving no response until nearly a year later, when an agent named Danielle wrote back to explain that the service fee was nonrefundable. I understand why a company would keep a fee if I had canceled or rebooked, but this was their decision. Can you help? Gabriel, Boston

Dear Gabriel,

This may be small potatoes compared with typical Tripped Up fare, but no one likes getting nickeled and dimed and $3.99-ed with fees that seem arbitrarily designed to pad companies’ bottom lines. In this maddening case, you didn’t even get the service you paid for and still paid the service fee. Considering the effort you put into this sub-$4 quest, I suspect you care more about the principle than the money.

When I reached out to Megabus, Meghan O’Hare, a spokeswoman for Megabus and its parent company, Coach USA, was unwilling to discuss your request or return the service fee. “Unfortunately, we do not comment on the details of interactions with customers,” she wrote in an email.

Luckily, we have the details, thanks to the mostly one-way email string you forwarded to me. After you sent four emails between November 2022 and September 2023, you finally received a response from Megabus on Sept. 22, one day after you threatened “to file a formal complaint” with the U.S. Department of Transportation. (Good move!)

“The $3.99 booking fee is a nonrefundable charge that is associated with completing a booking that you agreed to by accepting our terms and conditions on our website,” wrote Danielle, a member of the customer-support team. “Unfortunately, that amount won’t be added when totaling the value toward refunds.”

When I wrote back to Ms. O’Hare to confirm this was company policy and to ask what the service fee actually went toward, she did not respond.

You did not end up filing a complaint with the Transportation Department, because when you got in touch with the agency, an official there pointed you to federal regulations that do not appear to require the return of fees for canceled intercity bus trips. (The Biden administration’s recent announcement that it would require airlines and travel agents to disclose fees “the first time that fare and schedule information is provided” do not apply to bus trips. Megabus and its competitors add fees late in the booking process.)

So that leaves us with only Megabus’s terms and conditions, which mention a “$3.99 nonrefundable booking fee” levied “to cover administration charges related to your reservation,” and note that if a customer changes a reservation, this fee is not returned and, in fact, charged again. There is no mention of what happens to the fee if the company itself cancels a trip.

Jeff Sovern, a professor of consumer protection law at the University of Maryland, Baltimore, told me in an email that if “the contract is ambiguous, the ambiguity is construed to benefit the party that accepted the contract — here, the consumer.” But, he added, “I don’t know if a court would buy that interpretation.” And taking Megabus to court for $3.99 might nudge your already quirky quest into tilting-at-windmills territory.

Chris Elliott, the consumer advocate who has helped many travelers through his nonprofit, Elliott Advocacy , suggested a simpler solution for consumers in a similar situation: a credit card chargeback. “Banks take a dim view of these kind of shenanigans,” he wrote. (Since chargebacks usually have to be initiated in 60 to 120 days, this advice applies more to others than to you.)

So why would Megabus keep an administrative fee when it has inconvenienced a customer by not providing a service?

I suppose you could argue that it did incur some costs to schedule the route in the first place and, perhaps, by processing your credit card order. But it’s hard to see how that’s your problem.

Even companies whose business model revolves around booking fees often promise to return those fees if a service is not provided. Both Ticketmaster and Broadway.com specify in their terms and conditions that they refund those fees if a concert or event or show is canceled.

At least two of Megabus’s major competitors do return service fees. Flixbus, which owns Greyhound, provides “the full amount of the ticket fare(s), including any fees,” according to its terms and conditions .

Trailways’ terms and conditions are vaguer. But Alex Berardi, the president of Trailways.com (Trailways’ ticketing and sales platform) told me that when a trip is canceled through no fault of the passengers, “We’re going to get them that money back and that includes the fee.”

“It’s just good customer service,” he said, adding that fewer than 0.75 percent of trips by Trailways carriers are canceled, more than half of those because of weather.

Mr. Berardi also noted that through an agreement between the two companies, you can book Megabus seats on Trailways.com and be protected by Trailways terms and conditions.

Amtrak, in case you are wondering, does not charge a booking fee. And no need to dive into the airlines’ labyrinthine conditions of carriage, since the Transportation Department clearly requires them to refund “the ticket price and/or associated fees” when they cancel a flight.

Guess who else returns service fees? Megabus in Britain. The company, which has been under different ownership since 2019, refunds “the fare and transaction fees,” if it cannot provide suitable alternative transportation, according to its terms and conditions .

Gabriel, you told me that prices had gone up for bus and train fares from Philadelphia to Boston by the time Megabus canceled your trip.

Luckily, thanks to a flexible work schedule, you were able to leave on Tuesday and fly back from Philadelphia on a JetBlue flight you booked with 5,000 miles (worth about $65, according to a 2022 Points Guy valuation ), and a $5.60 fee. Total that up, tack on the lost $3.99 Megabus fee, and you ended up out somewhere around $25.

If you are anything like me, you easily made up for your losses with Thanksgiving leftovers consumed at your relatives’ house Sunday through Tuesday. So they’re the ones that should really be mad at Megabus.

If you need advice about a best-laid travel plan that went awry, send an email to [email protected] .

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram , Twitter and Facebook . And sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to receive expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation.

Seth Kugel is the columnist for “ Tripped Up ,” an advice column that helps readers navigate the often confusing world of travel. More about Seth Kugel

Trains Moscow to Elektrostal: Times, Prices and Tickets

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Moscow to Elektrostal by train

The journey from Moscow to Elektrostal by train is 32.44 mi and takes 2 hr 7 min. There are 71 connections per day, with the first departure at 12:15 AM and the last at 11:46 PM. It is possible to travel from Moscow to Elektrostal by train for as little as or as much as . The best price for this journey is .

Get from Moscow to Elektrostal with Virail

Virail's search tool will provide you with the options you need when you want to go from Moscow to Elektrostal. All you need to do is enter the dates of your planned journey, and let us take care of everything else. Our engine does the hard work, searching through thousands of routes offered by our trusted travel partners to show you options for traveling by train, bus, plane, or carpool. You can filter the results to suit your needs. There are a number of filtering options, including price, one-way or round trip, departure or arrival time, duration of journey, or number of connections. Soon you'll find the best choice for your journey. When you're ready, Virail will transfer you to the provider's website to complete the booking. No matter where you're going, get there with Virail.

How can I find the cheapest train tickets to get from Moscow to Elektrostal?

Prices will vary when you travel from Moscow to Elektrostal. On average, though, you'll pay about for a train ticket. You can find train tickets for prices as low as , but it may require some flexibility with your travel plans. If you're looking for a low price, you may need to prepare to spend more time in transit. You can also often find cheaper train tickets at particular times of day, or on certain days of the week. Of course, ticket prices often change during the year, too; expect to pay more in peak season. For the lowest prices, it's usually best to make your reservation in advance. Be careful, though, as many providers do not offer refunds or exchanges on their cheapest train tickets. Unfortunately, no price was found for your trip from Moscow to Elektrostal. Selecting a new departure or arrival city, without dramatically changing your itinerary could help you find price results. Prices will vary when you travel from Moscow to Elektrostal. On average, though, you'll pay about for a train ticket. If you're looking for a low price, you may need to prepare to spend more time in transit. You can also often find cheaper train tickets at particular times of day, or on certain days of the week. Of course, ticket prices often change during the year, too; expect to pay more in peak season. For the lowest prices, it's usually best to make your reservation in advance. Be careful, though, as many providers do not offer refunds or exchanges on their cheapest train tickets.

How long does it take to get from Moscow to Elektrostal by train?

The journey between Moscow and Elektrostal by train is approximately 32.44 mi. It will take you more or less 2 hr 7 min to complete this journey. This average figure does not take into account any delays that might arise on your route in exceptional circumstances. If you are planning to make a connection or operating on a tight schedule, give yourself plenty of time. The distance between Moscow and Elektrostal is around 32.44 mi. Depending on the exact route and provider you travel with, your journey time can vary. On average, this journey will take approximately 2 hr 7 min. However, the fastest routes between Moscow and Elektrostal take 1 hr 3 min. If a fast journey is a priority for you when traveling, look out for express services that may get you there faster. Some flexibility may be necessary when booking. Often, these services only leave at particular times of day - or even on certain days of the week. You may also find a faster journey by taking an indirect route and connecting in another station along the way.

How many journeys from Moscow to Elektrostal are there every day?

On average, there are 71 daily departures from Moscow to Elektrostal. However, there may be more or less on different days. Providers' timetables can change on certain days of the week or public holidays, and many also vary at particular times of year. Some providers change their schedules during the summer season, for example. At very busy times, there may be up to departures each day. The providers that travel along this route include , and each operates according to their own specific schedules. As a traveler, you may prefer a direct journey, or you may not mind making changes and connections. If you have heavy suitcases, a direct journey could be best; otherwise, you might be able to save money and enjoy more flexibility by making a change along the way. Every day, there are an average of 18 departures from Moscow which travel directly to Elektrostal. There are 53 journeys with one change or more. Unfortunately, no connection was found for your trip from Moscow to Elektrostal. Selecting a new departure or arrival city, without dramatically changing your itinerary could help you find connections.

Book in advance and save

If you're looking for the best deal for your trip from Moscow to Elektrostal, booking train tickets in advance is a great way to save money, but keep in mind that advance tickets are usually not available until 3 months before your travel date.

Stay flexible with your travel time and explore off-peak journeys

Planning your trips around off-peak travel times not only means that you'll be able to avoid the crowds, but can also end up saving you money. Being flexible with your schedule and considering alternative routes or times will significantly impact the amount of money you spend on getting from Moscow to Elektrostal.

Always check special offers

Checking on the latest deals can help save a lot of money, making it worth taking the time to browse and compare prices. So make sure you get the best deal on your ticket and take advantage of special fares for children, youth and seniors as well as discounts for groups.

Unlock the potential of slower trains or connecting trains

If you're planning a trip with some flexible time, why not opt for the scenic route? Taking slower trains or connecting trains that make more stops may save you money on your ticket – definitely worth considering if it fits in your schedule.

Best time to book cheap train tickets from Moscow to Elektrostal

The cheapest Moscow - Elektrostal train tickets can be found for as low as $35.01 if you’re lucky, or $54.00 on average. The most expensive ticket can cost as much as $77.49.

Find the best day to travel to Elektrostal by train

When travelling to Elektrostal by train, if you want to avoid crowds you can check how frequently our customers are travelling in the next 30-days using the graph below. On average, the peak hours to travel are between 6:30am and 9am in the morning, or between 4pm and 7pm in the evening. Please keep this in mind when travelling to your point of departure as you may need some extra time to arrive, particularly in big cities!

Moscow to Elektrostal CO2 Emissions by Train

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Jewish Calendar 2022 Elektrostal’, Moscow Oblast, Russia

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Russia's Nuclear Deterrent Command Center Imperiled by Winter Freeze—Report

A Russian nuclear deterrent command center in Moscow has been imperiled by power outages that have impacted more than one-quarter of the region's cities amid freezing temperatures, a Russian Telegram channel has reported.

The VChK-OGPU outlet, which purports to have inside information from Russian security forces, reported that the 820th Main Center for Missile Attack Warnings—part of the Russian Space Forces, a branch of the country's Aerospace Forces—near Solnechnogorsk in Moscow is without power.

It serves as the space forces early warning network against potential ballistic missile attacks.

The development comes as Russians are reported to be suffering from power outages in their homes in the Moscow region caused by technical issues at plants amid subzero temperatures.

On January 4, a heating main burst at the Klimovsk Specialized Ammunition Plant in the town of Podolsk, which is about 30 miles south of central Moscow. Since then, tens of thousands of Russians are reported to have no heating in their homes.

Affected areas include the cities of Khimki, Balashikha, Lobnya, Lyubertsy, Podolsk, Chekhov and Naro-Fominsk, a map published by a Russian Telegram channel and shared on other social media sites shows.

Other Russian media outlets reported that in Moscow, residents of Balashikha, Elektrostal, Solnechnogorsk, Dmitrov, Domodedovo, Troitsk, Taldom, Orekhovo-Zuyevo, Krasnogorsk, Pushkino, Ramenskoye, Voskresensk, Losino-Petrovsky and Selyatino are also without power.

The Telegram channel said that at the 820th Main Center for Missile Attack Warnings, "the crew...is on duty around the clock."

"It is here that the decision on a retaliatory nuclear strike is executed," the channel said.

Newsweek could not independently verify the report and has reached out to the Russian Defense Ministry by email for comment.

Power outages have also been reported in Russia's second-largest city, St. Petersburg, in the country's western Voronezh region, in the southwest city of Volgograd, and in Rostov, which borders Ukraine, a country that Russia has been at war with since February 24, 2022.

On Sunday, two shopping malls in St. Petersburg were forced to close because of problems with light and heating, reported local news outlet 78.ru. Hundreds of other homes in the city have had no electricity, water or heating for days amid temperatures of -25 C (-13 F).

Russian authorities have also been forced to compensate passengers of a train that ran from Samara to St. Petersburg (a 20-hour journey) without heating during -30 C (-22 F) temperatures. Videos circulating on social media showed carriage windows frozen over. A passenger also said the toilet didn't work during the trip because of frozen pipes.

Do you have a tip on a world news story that Newsweek should be covering? Do you have a question about the Russia-Ukraine war? Let us know via [email protected].

Related Articles

• Russia Maps Show 25% of Moscow Without Power Amid Winter Freeze 'Emergency'
• Serbian Mercenary Turns on Russian Leaders: 'They Treat Us Like Cattle'
• Winter Freeze Threats Come Back To Bite Russia As Power Outages Spread

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40 facts about elektrostal.

Written by Lanette Mayes

Modified & Updated: 02 Mar 2024

Reviewed by Jessica Corbett

Elektrostal is a vibrant city located in the Moscow Oblast region of Russia. With a rich history, stunning architecture, and a thriving community, Elektrostal is a city that has much to offer. Whether you are a history buff, nature enthusiast, or simply curious about different cultures, Elektrostal is sure to captivate you.

This article will provide you with 40 fascinating facts about Elektrostal, giving you a better understanding of why this city is worth exploring. From its origins as an industrial hub to its modern-day charm, we will delve into the various aspects that make Elektrostal a unique and must-visit destination.

So, join us as we uncover the hidden treasures of Elektrostal and discover what makes this city a true gem in the heart of Russia.

Key Takeaways:

• Elektrostal, known as the “Motor City of Russia,” is a vibrant and growing city with a rich industrial history, offering diverse cultural experiences and a strong commitment to environmental sustainability.
• With its convenient location near Moscow, Elektrostal provides a picturesque landscape, vibrant nightlife, and a range of recreational activities, making it an ideal destination for residents and visitors alike.

Known as the “Motor City of Russia.”

Elektrostal, a city located in the Moscow Oblast region of Russia, earned the nickname “Motor City” due to its significant involvement in the automotive industry.

Home to the Elektrostal Metallurgical Plant.

Elektrostal is renowned for its metallurgical plant, which has been producing high-quality steel and alloys since its establishment in 1916.

Boasts a rich industrial heritage.

Elektrostal has a long history of industrial development, contributing to the growth and progress of the region.

Founded in 1916.

The city of Elektrostal was founded in 1916 as a result of the construction of the Elektrostal Metallurgical Plant.

Located approximately 50 kilometers east of Moscow.

Elektrostal is situated in close proximity to the Russian capital, making it easily accessible for both residents and visitors.

Known for its vibrant cultural scene.

Elektrostal is home to several cultural institutions, including museums, theaters, and art galleries that showcase the city’s rich artistic heritage.

A popular destination for nature lovers.

Surrounded by picturesque landscapes and forests, Elektrostal offers ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and birdwatching.

Hosts the annual Elektrostal City Day celebrations.

Every year, Elektrostal organizes festive events and activities to celebrate its founding, bringing together residents and visitors in a spirit of unity and joy.

Has a population of approximately 160,000 people.

Elektrostal is home to a diverse and vibrant community of around 160,000 residents, contributing to its dynamic atmosphere.

Boasts excellent education facilities.

The city is known for its well-established educational institutions, providing quality education to students of all ages.

A center for scientific research and innovation.

Elektrostal serves as an important hub for scientific research, particularly in the fields of metallurgy, materials science, and engineering.

Surrounded by picturesque lakes.

The city is blessed with numerous beautiful lakes, offering scenic views and recreational opportunities for locals and visitors alike.

Well-connected transportation system.

Elektrostal benefits from an efficient transportation network, including highways, railways, and public transportation options, ensuring convenient travel within and beyond the city.

Famous for its traditional Russian cuisine.

Food enthusiasts can indulge in authentic Russian dishes at numerous restaurants and cafes scattered throughout Elektrostal.

Home to notable architectural landmarks.

Elektrostal boasts impressive architecture, including the Church of the Transfiguration of the Lord and the Elektrostal Palace of Culture.

Offers a wide range of recreational facilities.

Residents and visitors can enjoy various recreational activities, such as sports complexes, swimming pools, and fitness centers, enhancing the overall quality of life.

Provides a high standard of healthcare.

Elektrostal is equipped with modern medical facilities, ensuring residents have access to quality healthcare services.

Home to the Elektrostal History Museum.

The Elektrostal History Museum showcases the city’s fascinating past through exhibitions and displays.

A hub for sports enthusiasts.

Elektrostal is passionate about sports, with numerous stadiums, arenas, and sports clubs offering opportunities for athletes and spectators.

Celebrates diverse cultural festivals.

Throughout the year, Elektrostal hosts a variety of cultural festivals, celebrating different ethnicities, traditions, and art forms.

Electric power played a significant role in its early development.

Elektrostal owes its name and initial growth to the establishment of electric power stations and the utilization of electricity in the industrial sector.

Boasts a thriving economy.

The city’s strong industrial base, coupled with its strategic location near Moscow, has contributed to Elektrostal’s prosperous economic status.

Houses the Elektrostal Drama Theater.

The Elektrostal Drama Theater is a cultural centerpiece, attracting theater enthusiasts from far and wide.

Popular destination for winter sports.

Elektrostal’s proximity to ski resorts and winter sport facilities makes it a favorite destination for skiing, snowboarding, and other winter activities.

Promotes environmental sustainability.

Elektrostal prioritizes environmental protection and sustainability, implementing initiatives to reduce pollution and preserve natural resources.

Home to renowned educational institutions.

Elektrostal is known for its prestigious schools and universities, offering a wide range of academic programs to students.

Committed to cultural preservation.

The city values its cultural heritage and takes active steps to preserve and promote traditional customs, crafts, and arts.

Hosts an annual International Film Festival.

The Elektrostal International Film Festival attracts filmmakers and cinema enthusiasts from around the world, showcasing a diverse range of films.

Encourages entrepreneurship and innovation.

Elektrostal supports aspiring entrepreneurs and fosters a culture of innovation, providing opportunities for startups and business development.

Offers a range of housing options.

Elektrostal provides diverse housing options, including apartments, houses, and residential complexes, catering to different lifestyles and budgets.

Home to notable sports teams.

Elektrostal is proud of its sports legacy, with several successful sports teams competing at regional and national levels.

Boasts a vibrant nightlife scene.

Residents and visitors can enjoy a lively nightlife in Elektrostal, with numerous bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.

Promotes cultural exchange and international relations.

Elektrostal actively engages in international partnerships, cultural exchanges, and diplomatic collaborations to foster global connections.

Surrounded by beautiful nature reserves.

Nearby nature reserves, such as the Barybino Forest and Luchinskoye Lake, offer opportunities for nature enthusiasts to explore and appreciate the region’s biodiversity.

Commemorates historical events.

The city pays tribute to significant historical events through memorials, monuments, and exhibitions, ensuring the preservation of collective memory.

Promotes sports and youth development.

Elektrostal invests in sports infrastructure and programs to encourage youth participation, health, and physical fitness.

Hosts annual cultural and artistic festivals.

Throughout the year, Elektrostal celebrates its cultural diversity through festivals dedicated to music, dance, art, and theater.

Provides a picturesque landscape for photography enthusiasts.

The city’s scenic beauty, architectural landmarks, and natural surroundings make it a paradise for photographers.

Connects to Moscow via a direct train line.

The convenient train connection between Elektrostal and Moscow makes commuting between the two cities effortless.

A city with a bright future.

Elektrostal continues to grow and develop, aiming to become a model city in terms of infrastructure, sustainability, and quality of life for its residents.

In conclusion, Elektrostal is a fascinating city with a rich history and a vibrant present. From its origins as a center of steel production to its modern-day status as a hub for education and industry, Elektrostal has plenty to offer both residents and visitors. With its beautiful parks, cultural attractions, and proximity to Moscow, there is no shortage of things to see and do in this dynamic city. Whether you’re interested in exploring its historical landmarks, enjoying outdoor activities, or immersing yourself in the local culture, Elektrostal has something for everyone. So, next time you find yourself in the Moscow region, don’t miss the opportunity to discover the hidden gems of Elektrostal.

Q: What is the population of Elektrostal?

A: As of the latest data, the population of Elektrostal is approximately XXXX.

Q: How far is Elektrostal from Moscow?

A: Elektrostal is located approximately XX kilometers away from Moscow.

Q: Are there any famous landmarks in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal is home to several notable landmarks, including XXXX and XXXX.

Q: What industries are prominent in Elektrostal?

A: Elektrostal is known for its steel production industry and is also a center for engineering and manufacturing.

Q: Are there any universities or educational institutions in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal is home to XXXX University and several other educational institutions.

Q: What are some popular outdoor activities in Elektrostal?

A: Elektrostal offers several outdoor activities, such as hiking, cycling, and picnicking in its beautiful parks.

Q: Is Elektrostal well-connected in terms of transportation?

A: Yes, Elektrostal has good transportation links, including trains and buses, making it easily accessible from nearby cities.

Q: Are there any annual events or festivals in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal hosts various events and festivals throughout the year, including XXXX and XXXX.

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