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These Are the Busiest Flight Routes During the Holiday Season

Jordan Allen

October 25, 2018 • 5 min read

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With packed planes, bad weather and tight timelines, the holiday travel season can be far from "The Most Wonderful Time of the Year."

Luckily, AirHelp released a new study that shows the most crowded and most disrupted flight routes within the US during the holiday travel season, so now you can book your flights accordingly and potentially salvage a little holiday cheer.

Thanksgiving

Although the best time to book Thanksgiving flights was a few weeks ago, if you are a procrastinator, you can still try to avoid these hectic routes. Data from last year that looked at the Tuesday before Thanksgiving, Nov. 21, 2017 to the following Monday revealed that more than 153,000 flights took off in the US alone. Here were the top 10 busiest routes:

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) → San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) → Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
New York LaGuardia Airport (LGA) → Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) → New York LaGuardia Airport (LGA)
Kahului Airport (OGG) → Honolulu International Airport (HNL)
Honolulu International Airport (HNL) → Kahului Airport (OGG)
New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) → Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) → New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) → Las Vegas McCarran International Airport (LAS)
Las Vegas McCarran International Airport (LAS) → Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)

If you were planning on booking a flight on one of these high-traffic routes, you should also keep in mind that a majority of them were also in the running (or on the list) or the top 10 most disrupted flights:

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) → San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) → Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) → San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
San Diego International Airport (SAN) → San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) → San Diego International Airport (SAN)
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) → Orlando International Airport (MCO)
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) → Las Vegas McCarran International Airport (LAS)
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) → Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
Las Vegas McCarran International Airport (LAS) → San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) → New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)

If you're looking to avoid delays (and why wouldn't you be?) AirHelp also found that flights that take place between 6am and 11:59am experienced the least disruptions overall.

Christmas/New Year's Eve

Easing into the peak of the holiday season, it's no coincidence that airplanes and airports tend to hit their highest capacity in December. Prices go up, space decreases and you'd better get to the airport at least two hours early or have your TSA pre-check ready. AirHelp's data analyzed the busiest travel days for Christmas week, between Thursday, Dec. 21, 2017, and Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2018. Here are the top 10 most popular departure dates and locations from that week:

Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL): December 29
Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD): December 22
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX): January 2
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW): January 2
Denver International Airport (DEN): December 22
Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT): December 27
Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH): December 29
San Francisco International Airport (SFO): December 22
New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK): December 21
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR): December 22

And here are that week's most disrupted routes:

New York LaGuardia Airport (LGA) → Toronto Lester B. Pearson International Airport (YYZ)
New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) → Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) → Toronto Lester B. Pearson International Airport (YYZ)
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) → Toronto Lester B. Pearson International Airport (YYZ)
Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) → New York LaGuardia Airport (LGA)
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) → Portland International Airport (PDX)
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) → Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
Boston Edward L. Logan International Airport (BOS) → Orlando International Airport (MCO)
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) → San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
Boston Edward L. Logan International Airport (BOS) → Toronto Lester B. Pearson International Airport (YYZ)

If it's too late for you, and you happen to be one of these high-traffic, frequently disrupted routes, here at 7 tips for surviving delays and cancellations at the airport. Keep in mind that it is also prime time to purchase a ticket for your Christmas and New Year's Eve travels. By booking about nine weeks in advance, you can save up to $260 that you could be spending on gifts for that someone special. Let's just hope that a disruption doesn't get in the way.

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Valuable dining and food-related credits
Flexible rewards with airline and hotel transfer partners
Multiple travel and purchase protections
No foreign transaction fees
Access to Amex Offers for additional savings (enrollment required)

Cons

Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits

You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
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$84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.
$120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
Enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
Book two nights or more with The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ and receive a $100* credit towards eligible charges at over 1,400 upscale hotels worldwide. *Eligible charges vary by property.
Book your travel through the Amex Travel App™ with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
No Foreign Transaction Fees.
Annual Fee is $325.
Terms Apply.

With packed planes, bad weather and tight timelines, the holiday travel season can be far from "The Most Wonderful Time of the Year."

Thanksgiving

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) → San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) → Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
New York LaGuardia Airport (LGA) → Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) → New York LaGuardia Airport (LGA)
Kahului Airport (OGG) → Honolulu International Airport (HNL)
Honolulu International Airport (HNL) → Kahului Airport (OGG)
New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) → Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) → New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) → Las Vegas McCarran International Airport (LAS)
Las Vegas McCarran International Airport (LAS) → Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) → San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) → Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) → San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
San Diego International Airport (SAN) → San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) → San Diego International Airport (SAN)
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) → Orlando International Airport (MCO)
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) → Las Vegas McCarran International Airport (LAS)
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) → Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
Las Vegas McCarran International Airport (LAS) → San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) → New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)

If you're looking to avoid delays (and why wouldn't you be?) AirHelp also found that flights that take place between 6am and 11:59am experienced the least disruptions overall.

Christmas/New Year's Eve

Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL): December 29
Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD): December 22
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX): January 2
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW): January 2
Denver International Airport (DEN): December 22
Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT): December 27
Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH): December 29
San Francisco International Airport (SFO): December 22
New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK): December 21
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR): December 22

And here are that week's most disrupted routes:

New York LaGuardia Airport (LGA) → Toronto Lester B. Pearson International Airport (YYZ)
New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) → Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) → Toronto Lester B. Pearson International Airport (YYZ)
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) → Toronto Lester B. Pearson International Airport (YYZ)
Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) → New York LaGuardia Airport (LGA)
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) → Portland International Airport (PDX)
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) → Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
Boston Edward L. Logan International Airport (BOS) → Orlando International Airport (MCO)
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) → San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
Boston Edward L. Logan International Airport (BOS) → Toronto Lester B. Pearson International Airport (YYZ)

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Rewards rate
Rate	Category
4X	Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
4X	Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
5X	Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™.
3X	Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App™, or purchased directly from airlines.
2X	Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
1X	Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.

Rewards rate
Rate	Category
4X	Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
4X	Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
5X	Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™.
3X	Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App™, or purchased directly from airlines.
2X	Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
1X	Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.

Rewards rate
Rate	Category
4X	Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
4X	Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
5X	Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™.
3X	Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App™, or purchased directly from airlines.
2X	Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
1X	Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.

Rewards rate
Rate	Category
4X	Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
4X	Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
5X	Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™.
3X	Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App™, or purchased directly from airlines.
2X	Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
1X	Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.

Thanksgiving

Christmas/New Year's Eve

Comments

Comments

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TPG featured card

TPG featured card

American Express® Gold Card

Pros + cons

Pros

Cons

More details

Pros

Cons

Thanksgiving

Christmas/New Year's Eve

Comments

TPG featured card

American Express® Gold Card

Pros + cons

Pros

Cons

More details

Pros

Cons

American Express® Gold Card

Pros + cons

Pros

Cons

More details

Pros

Cons

American Express® Gold Card

Pros + cons

Pros

Cons

More details

Pros

Cons

American Express® Gold Card

Pros + cons

Pros

Cons

More details

Pros

Cons

American Express® Gold Card

Pros + cons

Pros

Cons

More details

Pros

Cons

American Express® Gold Card

Pros + cons

Pros

Cons

More details

Pros

Cons

American Express® Gold Card

Pros + cons

Pros

Cons

More details

Pros

Cons

Rewards rate

Intro offer

Annual fee

Regular APR

Recommended credit

Rewards rate

Intro offer

Annual fee

Regular APR