Thanksgiving Travel Goes Ground as Buses and Trains Surge Over Flights

Americans are opting for buses and trains over airplanes for their Thanksgiving travel this year, following significant disruptions in air travel connected to a recent government shutdown. Travelers have become increasingly frustrated with flight cancellations and extended TSA wait times, prompting many to rethink their holiday travel plans.

The U.S. Senate’s recent move to reopen the government is a positive development, but experts suggest that it may take some time for normal air travel operations to resume. According to travel search engine Wanderu, there has been a 12% year-over-year increase in bus and train bookings for the Thanksgiving holiday period, with some routes reporting increases as high as 20% to 30%. Demand for bus travel has surged, particularly for destinations in the suburbs of St. Louis, New York City, and Washington, D.C.

Recent airline statistics highlight the gravity of the situation, as around 2,400 flights were canceled on Monday alone, with over 9,500 flights delayed the same day. The previous day saw even more disruptions, with about 2,950 flights canceled and nearly 11,200 delayed. The government shutdown, now more than a month long, has exacerbated the issues, especially with air traffic controller shortages contributing to chaotic travel conditions.

Megabus reported a noticeable uptick in ticket purchases last week, while Flix, the owner of Greyhound, noted increased interest in bus searches on the busiest days leading up to Thanksgiving. Wanderu also indicated heightened train ticket purchases for journeys exceeding 200 miles. Amtrak is preparing for a significant Thanksgiving with double-digit growth in early bookings compared to last year and plans to expand capacity on its Northeast regional routes.

Despite the considerable challenges in the aviation sector due to the government shutdown, it serves as a reminder of the resilience of alternative travel methods such as buses and trains that provide viable options for holiday travelers. As families seek to reunite over the Thanksgiving holiday, this increasing trend can foster a renewed appreciation for non-air travel experiences, allowing for more flexible and potentially enjoyable journeys.