Airfares up as U.S. Thanksgiving travel hits 3-year high

STORY: Source: AAA

Nearly 55 million Americans are expected to take to the roads, skies and rails for the holiday

Source: AAA

Air travel has recovered to about 99% of 2019 levels

But staffing and aircraft shortages along with booming demand have sent fares soaring

Source: Cirium

Airlines are operating 13% fewer domestic flights during this Thanksgiving travel period compared to 2019

Source: Hopper

Domestic airfare for Thanksgiving is 17% higher than last year and in line with 2019 prices

Source: Hopper

International airfare is 30% higher than in 2019

There is also a rise in demand for less expensive travel options including buses and trains

Source: AAA

More than 1.4 million Thanksgiving travelers will use a bus, train or cruise ship

That is an increase of 23% from 2021 and represents 96% of the 2019 volume