The Cost Of: What is the cheapest way to travel for Thanksgiving?

According to consumer expert Caleb Silver, flying costs are relatively flat and gas prices are down.

Tara Joyce

Nov 4, 2024, 10:56 AM

Updated 21 days ago

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While AAA is yet to release its 2024 Thanksgiving travel predictions, some of the prices are coming into focus.
This year, the travel picture isn't as ugly as in years past. According to consumer expert Caleb Silver, flying costs are relatively flat and gas prices are down. The thing that will hurt you now is procrastination.
"A lot of travel has been prebooked, and a lot of flights are sold out. Premium seats, of course, are still available. So, if you're thinking about flying by air, make sure you book it now because it's getting more expensive by the day,” said Silver.
If you’re hoping to fly out of a New York City area airport, Silver says a domestic, round-trip ticket is running around $450.
If flying isn’t your thing, you do have other options. When it comes to buses and trains Silver says you’ll be battling crowds more than the cost.
“Train tickets won’t fluctuate too much in price, but they will get packed, and you might not be able to get the ticket you want for the time you want.”
Traveling on your own terms may eliminate some of the headaches, which is why many families are opting for a road trip this year. Silver says gas prices are also playing into the decision to drive.
The average price around the country right now is around $3 a gallon making driving likely the cheapest way to get around if you’re traveling with the whole family.