Thanksgiving Travel Tips

2020 has been an unusual year, leading to a unique Thanksgiving travel season. On one hand, COVID-19 has decreased demand for flights, resulting in generally lower and more flexible fares than in previous years. On the other hand, services have been reduced, making those that remain operational busier than usual.

Peak Travel Days

The busiest travel days remain consistent: expect high traffic immediately before and after Thanksgiving celebrations, specifically on Wednesday, November 25 for departures and returning on Sunday, November 29.

Understanding Flight Pricing

In testing several routes via Google Flights (from San Francisco to Atlanta, Dallas to New York, and Seattle to Miami), there is a noticeable peak in pricing on these key dates. If you choose to travel a few days outside of these peak dates, you will likely benefit from lower fares and fewer crowds in both airports and planes.

Travel Strategies

With these peak days in mind, there are several strategies you can adopt:

• Flexibility in Timing: If your travel dates are fixed, consider flying either early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid crowded flights.
• Shift Travel Dates: If possible, traveling a few days before or after Thanksgiving enables you to spend more time with loved ones or explore parts of the US.
• Travel on Thanksgiving: Convince your hosts to delay celebrations; flying on Thanksgiving day can help you avoid the majority of traveling crowds. If you take an early flight, you can still make it for dinner.

Airline Options for Crowds

If you are concerned about large crowds, you might want to consider airlines like Southwest or Alaska, which are committed to maintaining extra space onboard during the Thanksgiving travel period.

Alternative Travel Options

For those who prioritize comfort and are open to different types of travel, consider Amtrak services. They offer private roomettes and larger bedrooms, complete with in-room dining. While the frequency of long-distance routes has been reduced to three times a week, it remains an excellent way to travel with another companion. For instance, the route from Denver to Emeryville, which serves San Francisco and Oakland, costs $624 each way for two passengers in a private roomette during the Thanksgiving period. This option may be more expensive than business class airfares but provides a unique experience with breathtaking views of the Rockies and Sierra Nevada mountain ranges.