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Report Finds 3 in 4 Americans Planning to Travel This Holiday Season
The holiday season is a time of joy, but for travelers — whether by plane, train, or car — it often comes with its fair share of stress. With the possibility of travel disruptions looming, we surveyed Americans about their holiday travel plans and analyzed U.S. airports to identify the ones with the most delays and cancellations.
Americans Budgeting $2,000+ for Holiday Travel
More than 3 in 4 (76%) of Americans are planning to travel this holiday season, up from the estimated 62% of our 2023 holiday travel report. Nearly half (49%) are concerned about airport delays and cancellations, but 85% don’t plan on purchasing travel insurance. Some people may regret this decision, as the average American reports losing $161 in the last year due to airline delays and cancellations.
On average, Americans are budgeting $2,017 for holiday travel in 2024. In general, 40% of Americans report using points or rewards to help save money on travel. In fact, people report saving an average of $687 on travel in 2024 by utilizing these travel rewards.
U.S. Airports with the Most Delays and Cancellations
By analyzing 2024 data from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), we’ve uncovered the airports that are home to the most delays and cancellations. According to the DOT, a flight is considered delayed if it departed 15 minutes or more after the scheduled departure time.
When it comes to departure delays, Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport is the worst in the country. Baltimore is followed by Dallas/Fort Worth International, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International, Miami International, and Dallas Love Field.
The airports across the country with the most cancellations include:
- Dallas/Fort Worth International
- Newark Liberty International
- LaGuardia Airport
- George Bush Intercontinental/Houston
- Portland International
Top Airports Americans Avoid
Nearly 1 in 3 Americans (32%) refuse to fly certain airlines due to bad travel experiences, and it’s not just airlines they’re steering clear of—20% also avoid specific airports because of delays or cancellations.
The top airports American say they avoid include Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International, Chicago O’Hare International, and John F. Kennedy International. Holiday travel will begin in November as 47% plan to travel for Thanksgiving and 86% have travel plans in December.
When it comes to where Americans are traveling, 40% will be heading to a nearby state, 31% across the country, 16% in the same state, and 13% are leaving the U.S. For where people plan to stay, 59% will be with family, 26% at hotels/resorts, 7% with friends, and 6% in rentals.
If you have a vacation home or are planning on buying, learn more about how a Tax Deferred 1031 Exchange can help preserve your assets when buying and selling investment properties. You can also get information on How to Buy Your Vacation Home with a 1031 Exchange. Investment Property Exchange Services, Inc. (IPX1031) is the nation’s largest and most secure 1031 Qualified Intermediary.
Methodology
In September 2024, we conducted a survey of 998 people from across the U.S. about their holiday travel plans. Among respondents, 50% identified as male and 49% as female with an average age of 39.
To determine the airports with the most delays and cancellations, we analyzed data from the U.S. Department of Transportation.
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Fair Use
When using this data and research, please attribute by linking to this study and citing IPX1031.
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America’s 2023 Travel Outlook
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