Best and Worst Days to Fly for Thanksgiving Travel

Thanksgiving is one of the busiest times for travel. Last year, AAA projected nearly four million Americans to fly to their holiday destinations and that number is likely to rise again in 2018, especially at the nation's busiest airports. If you're taking to the skies this Thanksgiving, keep in mind the best and worst days to fly.

No one wants to spend Thanksgiving Day at the airport or on a cramped plane-many travelers have already reached their holiday destination at this point, making it the best time to fly. Book an early flight out in the morning and you could save significant stress and money without missing any of the festivities.

Hit the skies a few days in advance of your turkey dinner and you'll avoid some of the crowds and chaos that typically arrive 48 hours prior to Thanksgiving.

Spend a few extra days with the family or touring your Thanksgiving destination if you're itching to escape. You'll likely be glad you did once it comes time to catch that flight home.

Unless you're prepared to fly back Thanksgiving night, Black Friday is a good time to make your journey home. You might have to miss out on some great holiday shopping deals but it'll likely be worth it.

Thanksgiving Eve is notorious for creating headaches among holiday air travelers. Tensions and airfares both run high on this day. If you're able to be flexible, avoid flying out on Thanksgiving Eve.

Leaving the Tuesday before Thanksgiving buys you some extra time in the event that your flight is delayed or canceled. However, the crowds and airfares are just as unfavorable as they are on Thanksgiving Eve, making it one of the worst days to fly.

Returning home the Sunday after Thanksgiving is a popular call, but it's undoubtedly the worst time to book a return flight as everyone else has the same idea in hopes of getting home and settling in before work and school start up again Monday.

Although you might be better off flying home right after Black Friday in terms of finding less chaotic check-in and security lines, airfares are still going to be pricey for flights the Saturday after Thanksgiving.

Even though it's a weekday, the Monday after Thanksgiving is one of the worst days to fly based on ticket cost. Hold off for an extra day and your patience is likely to be rewarded with a smoother and more affordable experience.