Thanksgiving travel is almost back to normal. More than 54.6 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles from home this week, up 1.5% from last year, according to automotive and travel club AAA. The number of travelers is at 98% of pre-pandemic levels in 2019. This, despite holiday travel set to be the most expensive in five years.

After a summer of chaos full of flight delays and cancellations, misplaced baggage, and booked out accommodations, travelers are worried about similar issues as volumes spike. Airlines claim they are better prepared this time around. However, many of the factors that created hiccups in summer travel—smaller number of planes, limited staff, and a training backlog—still persist.

Owing to sky-high inflation, travelers will see budgets balloon…

  • 12%: Increase in hotel room rates since 2019
  • 46%: Jump in rental car rates since 2019
  • 32%: Spike in inflation-adjusted air fare in 2022 compared to a year ago
  • $76 billion: How much Americans have spent on domestic flights this year through Oct. 18, $11 billion more than the previous year
  • 31%: Americans who intend to travel between Thanksgiving and mid-January, according to Deloitte Holiday Travel Study, down significantly from 42% last year

…so they cut corners where they can.

  • 59%: Travelers who’ll likely stay with friends and loved ones
  • 10%: How much travelers can save on domestic flights on average by booking at least a month in advance, and on international flights by booking around six months in advance, according to a travel hacks report by Expedia.
  • 3 pm: Depart before then to minimize chances of cancellations.

Airlines still face high costs and staff shortages, but not for lack of trying.

  • 59: Small and regional airports that have slashed service in half largely owing to pilot shortages and high fuel costs.
  • 85%: Delta’s network capacity compared to 2019.
  • 90%: Flights United is operating per day compared to 2019, but it’s expecting 100% of the travelers.
  • $42 billion: Airlines’ spend on jet fuel in 2022, up 125% from a year ago.
  • 777,000: Passenger and cargo airline employees working this holiday season, surpassing pre-pandemic employment
  • 13%: Fewer flights this holiday season compared to 2019, but since airlines will use larger planes, seat capacity will only fall 2%

Read the full article at qz.com