It seems like every year, if you turn on the news around the holidays, you’ll hear about “record crowds” of travelers. But in 2024, that’s truly been the case … over and over again.
The Sunday after Thanksgiving was the busiest day ever at U.S. airports, topping records set earlier this year over the Memorial Day and Fourth of July weekends.
Up next? Christmas and New Year’s, when 54 million people are set to fly.
All things considered, air travel ran quite smoothly over Thanksgiving, so I’m cautiously optimistic about the December holidays — although Mother Nature could always throw a wrench in that (and the early indications are … so-so).
One of the most interesting trends in 2024: More travelers are being “adventurous” for the holidays, as United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby recently put it. According to Chase Travel℠, Tokyo is the destination seeing the biggest spike in bookings versus last year. Japan was also announced as the 2024 TPG Award winner for Best Destination for Stretching Points and Dollars.
So whether you already have a trip planned or decide to be adventurous and snag a last-minute award seat or cash fare, do everything you can to ensure your trip runs smoothly:
Posts in this newsletter contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products, and this may impact how or where they appear. For an explanation of our Advertising Policy, visit this page.
I had an overnight layover at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport, but I booked a hotel near Midway International Airport instead. Here's how I fixed it.
You are receiving this email because you opted in atthepointsguy.com.
Where to find us:
The Points Guy 100 5th Ave., 16th Floor New York, NY 10011 USA USA
If this newsletter was forwarded to you, you can subscribe here.
Advertiser Disclosure:
The cards we feature here are from partners who compensate us when you are approved through our site, and this may impact how or where these products appear. We don’t cover all available credit cards, but our analysis, reviews, and opinions are entirely from our editorial team. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.
Editorial Note: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
