NEW YORK – Thanksgiving, a quintessentially American holiday, is as much about gathering around a table as it is about traveling to be with loved ones. This annual festival celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November, has been known as one of the busiest times of the year for U.S. airports and airlines.
Millions of travelers crisscross the country, turning the skies into a busy network of connections. Thanksgiving 2024 is no different, with a significant surge in seat capacity across the continent and beyond.
Thanksgiving 2024: Big 4 US Airlines
From November 23 to 27, U.S. airlines offered millions of seats to cater to the spike in demand. This article covers the busiest airlines, the top countries sending travelers to the U.S., and the cities welcoming the most arrivals.
These numbers underscore the significant scale and significance of air travel during this festive week.
Every year, Thanksgiving week in the U.S. is a major highlight of the aviation industry’s largest airlines. Unsurprisingly, the “Big Four” U.S. carriers – American (AA), Southwest (WN), Delta Air Lines (DL), and United (UA) dominate the skies, collectively offering over 12.8 million seats during this period.
At the forefront is American Airlines, offering over 3.6 million seats during the five days. This highlights the carrier’s extensive network and strategic hubs in cities like Dallas-Fort Worth and Charlotte.
- Southwest Airlines, with its extensive domestic network, and point-to-point model, is not far behind with 3.3 million seats.
- Delta Air Lines, with its strong presence in Atlanta and other major hubs, ranks third, offering 3.2 million seats.
- United Airlines, the fourth busiest, rounds out the list with 2.7 million seats, showcasing its strong presence in both domestic and international routes.
Rounding off the top five is Alaska Airlines, which plays a crucial role in connecting travelers along the West Coast and to Alaska. With 0.8 million seats, it remained a key carrier during the holiday season.
A Global Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving might be a U.S.-centric holiday, but the inflow of international travelers during this time showcases the country’s appeal as a holiday destination. During Thanksgiving week, family reunions to leisure trips, visitors from across the globe contribute significantly to the travel surge.
At the top of the list is Mexico, with 374,869 scheduled seats to the U.S. during Thanksgiving week. The strong cultural, familial, and economic ties between the two countries make Mexico a consistent destination in travel volume.
- Canada, the U.S.’s closest neighbor, follows with 239,486 seats. Its proximity and cross-border connections assist in driving significant traffic during the holidays.
- Across the Atlantic, the United Kingdom claims the third spot, with 148,118 seats arriving in the U.S. This reflects the enduring popularity of transatlantic travel, even during traditionally American holidays.
- Puerto Rico ranks fourth with 108,025 seats, highlighting the significant travel flow between the island and the mainland.
- In fifth place is Germany, contributing 77,252 seats, serving its role as a key European market for U.S.-bound travel.
Top U.S. Destinations: Where Everyone’s Headed
As millions of travelers take to the skies, major U.S. cities experience an influx of travelers. These cities, often home to major airports and iconic attractions, are the focal points of Thanksgiving travel.
- New York City tops the list with a staggering 1.2 million arriving seats during the five days leading up to Thanksgiving. Its status as a global hub for business, culture, and tourism ensures its position at the top.
- Atlanta, home to Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, the world’s busiest airport comes in second with 919,676 seats.
- Dallas, a key hub for American Airlines, ranks third with 880,734 seats, showcasing its importance as a connecting point and destination.
- Chicago, known for its vibrant Thanksgiving celebrations, takes fourth place with 820,368 seats scheduled.
- Los Angeles, the gateway to the West Coast, rounds out the top five with 705,902 seats arriving during this period.
Interestingly, the same cities dominate departures in the three days following Thanksgiving, albeit in the same order. This further highlights their dual roles as both origins and destinations during the holiday season.
Thanksgiving Travel Surge
The numbers tell a story of a crucial aviation sector, but the human element behind them is just as compelling. Thanksgiving is a time for reunions, and every seat filled represents someone traveling to reconnect with family, share a meal, and create cherished memories.
For airlines, the season is both an opportunity and a challenge. Meeting the surge in demand requires precise planning, from adjusting schedules to deploying additional staff and aircraft.
Delays and disruptions, often caused by weather or sheer volume, can often pose hurdles. On the ground, airports transform into busy hubs of activity. Security lines grow longer, and baggage claims and terminals get busier as passengers make their way to their destinations.
Despite the hustle and bustle, the spirit of Thanksgiving often shines through, with airlines and airport staff going the extra mile to ensure a smooth travel experience.
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