Thanksgiving Travel Expected to Remain Strong Despite Potential Disruptions

Despite the looming possibility of a federal government shutdown this week, Thanksgiving travel is anticipated to be robust. According to AAA, this holiday season is expected to be the third-busiest period for travel since they began tracking it in 2000. An estimated 55.4 million people have plans to venture 50 miles or more away from home. This figure represents a 2.3% increase from last year and slightly below the levels seen in 2019.

While the majority of travelers plan to hit the road, approximately 4.7 million people are anticipated to take to the skies, marking a 6.6% increase from 2020 and the highest number of fliers since 2005. Additionally, roughly 1.55 million individuals are projected to embark on cruises, buses, or trains, reflecting an impressive 11% surge from last year. AAA highlights that Thanksgiving cruises have been in high demand this year, with most sailings already fully booked.

In terms of pricing, domestic cruise fares have seen a notable decline of 12%, with an average cost of $1,507; this decrease contrasts with prices from the previous year. Domestic airfare has increased by 5%, while international flight fares have experienced a decrease of 5.7%. The average cost of a domestic hotel room stay has dropped by 12%, amounting to $598, and domestic car rental prices have seen a significant decrease of 20%.

It is important to note that potential repercussions of a federal government shutdown could impact air travel over the Thanksgiving weekend. In the event of a shutdown, air-traffic controllers and Transportation Security Administration employees may be required to work without pay during one of the busiest travel periods, leading to potential delays and congestion at airports.