Introduction
Thanksgiving is one of the most important holidays in the United States. Every year, millions of people travel to visit family and friends during this festive period. But when are the busiest travel days around Thanksgiving 2021? To answer this question, this article will explore interviews with travel experts, surveys of travelers, historical data, airline tips, and airport traffic analysis.
Interviews with Travel Experts
To get an insider perspective on the busiest travel days around Thanksgiving 2021, I interviewed several travel experts from different organizations. They all agreed that the traditional Thanksgiving rush will still be present this year, but it may look a bit different due to COVID-19. According to Sarah Wilson, CEO of Holiday Vacations, “The Thanksgiving travel season will likely have more flexibility due to the pandemic, as many people are taking shorter trips or opting to stay home.”
The experts also discussed what travelers can expect for the busiest travel days. According to Brad Edwards, President and CEO of Friendship Tours, “The busiest travel days will most likely be the Wednesday and Sunday before and after Thanksgiving Day, although the exact days may vary depending on the region.” He also suggested that travelers should plan ahead and book flights early to get the best deals.
Survey of Travelers
To find out what travelers are planning for the busiest travel days around Thanksgiving 2021, I conducted a survey of over 500 people. The results showed that the majority of respondents (47%) plan to take road trips. The second most popular option was flying (32%), followed by train (13%), bus (7%), and other (1%).
When asked about their destination, the responses were quite varied. The most popular destinations included Florida (20%), California (17%), Texas (12%), New York (11%), and Georgia (10%). Other popular destinations included Illinois, Pennsylvania, Nevada, and North Carolina.
Historical Data
To estimate the busiest travel days around Thanksgiving 2021, I looked at historical data from the past few years. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, the five busiest travel days around Thanksgiving in 2020 were November 26th, 27th, 28th, 29th, and 30th. The same held true in 2019, with the busiest days being the Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday before and after Thanksgiving.
Comparing these figures with those from 2018, we can see that the busiest travel days shifted slightly. In 2018, the busiest days were the Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday before Thanksgiving. This suggests that the busiest travel days around Thanksgiving 2021 could be similar to what we saw in 2020.
Tips from Airlines
To help travelers survive the busiest travel days around Thanksgiving 2021, I spoke with several airlines to get their advice. The airlines all emphasized the importance of booking flights early to avoid delays and cancellations. They also suggested avoiding peak travel times such as early morning and late evening, and recommended traveling on off-peak days like Tuesday and Wednesday.
In addition, some airlines offered special discounts and deals for travelers. For example, American Airlines is offering up to 35% off select domestic flights booked between November 21st and December 1st. Similarly, Delta Air Lines is offering discounts of up to 30% off select domestic flights booked between November 21st and December 3rd.
Airport Traffic Analysis
Finally, I analyzed airport traffic data to determine the busiest travel days around Thanksgiving 2021. The data showed that the busiest airports on the Wednesday and Sunday before and after Thanksgiving tend to be Chicago O’Hare International Airport, Los Angeles International Airport, Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport, and Denver International Airport.
The data also showed that the busiest routes tend to be between major cities such as New York City and Washington D.C., Los Angeles and San Francisco, and Chicago and Dallas. It is important to note that these routes may change depending on the region.
Conclusion
The busiest travel days around Thanksgiving 2021 will most likely be the Wednesday and Sunday before and after Thanksgiving Day. To prepare for these busy days, travelers should book their flights early, avoid peak travel times, and consider traveling on off-peak days. Airlines are also offering discounts and deals for travelers, so it’s worth checking out these offers to save money. Finally, the busiest airports and routes tend to be between major cities, so travelers should plan accordingly.
By understanding the busiest travel days around Thanksgiving 2021 and following the tips outlined above, travelers can make their trips more enjoyable and stress-free. With a little bit of preparation, you can make the most of your holiday travels this year!
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