American Airlines Expects More Than 8 Million Thanksgiving Travelers

Image: American Airlines plane (Photo Credit: American Airlines)
Image: American Airlines plane (Photo Credit: American Airlines)
Rich Thomaselli
by Rich Thomaselli
Last updated: 10:05 AM ET, Sat November 16, 2024

If you plan on traveling for the Thanksgiving holiday, American Airlines is ready for you. All 8 million of you.

The carrier said it is expecting to host more than 8.3 million people during the Thanksgiving rush. That will be spread over 77,000 flights.

American is coming off a notable achievement last month.

“Thanks to the hard work of our 130,000 team members, we canceled fewer flights than any of our major competitors this October and beat our own records for on-time departures and arrivals,” said David Seymour, American’s Chief Operating Officer. “When you purchase a ticket on American, you’re trusting us to provide a safe and reliable journey. We are ready to continue delivering on that promise this Thanksgiving.”

There were nine days in October when American did not cancel a single mainline flight and 10 when the airline didn’t cancel a single regional flight.

American’s Thanksgiving travel period runs from November 21 to December 3, and the airline expects to carry more than 500,000 more customers than last year. The most-traveled day will be Sunday, December 1, with the second most-traveled day slated for Monday, December 2.

Some 1,035 mainline and regional aircraft will be en route at 10:45 a.m. CT on Sunday, December 1, the highest number of flights handled at any given time during American’s travel period.

The holiday period will be a good test for American’s initiative to halt those who violate the boarding process.


For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.

Topics From This Article to Explore

More From TravelPulse

Rich Thomaselli

Rich Thomaselli

Associate Writer

Editor Associate Writer true 9281 14744 Rich Thomaselli has written for TravelPulse since 2014 and has been a professional journalist for nearly 40 years. His work has appeared in USA Today, the New York Times and New York Yankees publications. He is an 11-time writ

Grow Your Travel Business With Certified Courses

Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Puerto Vallarta Specialist ProgramEnveloped in the beauty of a by-gone time, this colorful town on Mexico’s Pacific Coast is sure to win...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Korea Travel Specialist ProgramThis course will allow you to explore this fascinating country's incredible diversity of experiences...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Costa Rica Specialist ProgramCosta Rica Specialist Program academy ENROLL NOW Costa Rica offers golden shores, fish-filled waters,...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Puerto Vallarta Specialist ProgramEnveloped in the beauty of a by-gone time, this colorful town on Mexico’s Pacific Coast is sure to win...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Korea Travel Specialist ProgramThis course will allow you to explore this fascinating country's incredible diversity of experiences...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Costa Rica Specialist ProgramCosta Rica Specialist Program academy ENROLL NOW Costa Rica offers golden shores, fish-filled waters,...

Don't Miss These Travel Agent Events and Trainings

Upcoming Webinar
Discover Houston, A World in a CityMonday, June 22, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Visit Houston for an inside look at one of the country’s most dynamic and diverse destinations....
Upcoming Webinar
Why Cruise, When You Can CunardWednesday, June 24 2026
2:00pm Eastern
When cruise is the option, Cunard is the difference. This session explores what sets the Cunard...
Upcoming Webinar
July AAT Kings WebinarTuesday, July 7, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Save your spot for this upcoming webinar! Details coming soon!
Upcoming Webinar
Discover Houston, A World in a CityMonday, June 22, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Visit Houston for an inside look at one of the country’s most dynamic and diverse destinations....
Upcoming Webinar
Why Cruise, When You Can CunardWednesday, June 24 2026
2:00pm Eastern
When cruise is the option, Cunard is the difference. This session explores what sets the Cunard...
Upcoming Webinar
July AAT Kings WebinarTuesday, July 7, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Save your spot for this upcoming webinar! Details coming soon!