Airlines expect nearly 29 million Thanksgiving flyers Nov. 20–30, with the Sunday and Monday after the holiday the busiest days
Record jet fuel costs have airlines cutting some flights and raising checked-bag fees, their trade group says. Last year AAA found flying on Thanksgiving Day itself was cheaper.
U.S. airlines expect to carry nearly 29 million passengers over the Thanksgiving travel period, Nov. 20 to 30, or about 2.7 million a day, according to Airlines for America, the trade group for the largest U.S. airlines. The busiest days are expected to be Sunday, Nov. 29, and Monday, Nov. 30.
Airlines are offering about 38,000 more seats a day than last Thanksgiving, the group said Nov. 10.
Why it may cost more
Airlines are paying record prices for jet fuel, the group says, with the October spot price averaging $4.64 a gallon. It says fares have risen less than fuel, and that airlines are making up the difference in other ways:
- Flying some routes less often
- Retiring older, less fuel-efficient planes
- Dropping less profitable routes
- Raising checked-bag fees
Ways to save
- Fly on the holiday: In its 2025 forecast, AAA found it was cheaper to fly on Thanksgiving Day itself, while the busy Sunday and Monday return flights drove up ticket prices.
- Check bag fees before you pack: With airlines raising checked-bag fees, look up your airline’s current fee before you get to the airport.
- Use the app: The group suggests downloading your airline’s app when you buy a ticket for flight and bag updates.
Source: Airlines for America news release, Nov. 10, 2026 and AAA 2025 Thanksgiving forecast, checked Nov. 12, 2026.