In 2015 alone, 47 million Americans traveled for the Thanksgiving holiday, and about 42 million did so by car. With the holidays approaching—being the air travel experts that we are—we asked travelers if they would be flying this year. According to our poll results, 30 perfect of travelers say they’ll be flying this holiday season, up from 24 and 25 percent in 2014 and 2015 respectively. What’s more, in comparison to the past two years, less travelers indicate they’ll be staying home due to expensive fares. Both of these positive changes may be attributed to the ease travelers are having finding airfare deals.

According to Airfarewatchdog founder and travel expert George Hobica, those opting to fly will see lower airfares compared to previous years. “Airfarewatchdog analysis has determined that airfares for holiday travel on average are quite a bit lower than several years ago, which would explain why more people are flying this season. As always, it will be cheaper to fly on Thanksgiving Day returning on the Saturday immediately after, and December 25 and January 1 are typically the cheapest days to travel as well.”

When it comes to driving, the amount of travelers that prefer to drive has steadily increased since 2013. This year, 21 percent of travelers said they would rather drive for a few extra hours than have to deal with airport delays and long lines. This number is more than double from 2013. It seems that the main reason travelers are opting not to drive has to do with airport stress, large crowds, and the assumption of high prices. The full results from this year’s poll are as followed:

  • 36% think flying for the holidays is too expensive (down 10% from last year)
  • 21% rather drive a few extra hours than have to deal with the delays and long lines (up 1% from last year)
  • 18% always fly for the holidays (up 4% from last year)
  • 13% feel the skies are too crowded (up 3% from last year)
  • 12% said this is the first time in several years that they will be flying (up 2% from last year) 

For full poll results, analysis, or to speak with George Hobica, please contact the PR team at PR@ Airfarewatchdog.com 

In 2015 alone, 47 million Americans traveled for the Thanksgiving holiday, and about 42 million did so by car. With the holidays approaching—being the air travel experts that we are—we asked travelers if they would be flying this year. According to our poll results, 30 perfect of travelers say they’ll be flying this holiday season, up from 24 and 25 percent in 2014 and 2015 respectively. What’s more, in comparison to the past two years, less travelers indicate they’ll be staying home due to expensive fares. Both of these positive changes may be attributed to the ease travelers are having finding airfare deals. According to Airfarewatchdog founder and travel expert George Hobica, those opting to fly will see lower airfares compared to previous years. “Airfarewatchdog analysis has determined that airfares for holiday travel on average are quite a bit lower than several years ago, which would explain why more people are flying this season. As always, it will be cheaper to fly on Thanksgiving Day returning on the Saturday immediately after, and December 25 and January 1 are typically the cheapest days to travel as well.”

When it comes to driving, the amount of travelers that prefer to drive has steadily increased since 2013. This year, 21 percent of travelers said they would rather drive for a few extra hours than have to deal with airport delays and long lines. This number is more than double from 2013. It seems that the main reason travelers are opting not to drive has to do with airport stress, large crowds, and the assumption of high prices. The full results from this year’s poll are as followed:

·       
36% think flying for the holidays is too expensive (down 10% from last year)

·       
21% rather drive a few extra hours than have to deal with the delays and long lines (up 1% from last year)

·       
18% always fly for the holidays (up 4% from last year)

·       
13% feel the skies are too crowded (up 3% from last year)

·       
12% said this is the first time in several years that they will be flying (up 2% from last year)

For full poll results, analysis, or to speak with George Hobica, please contact the PR team at PR@ Airfarewatchdog.com 

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