Only 3% of Americans Will Fly Over Thanksgiving

This Thanksgiving, there will be far fewer air travelers and more modified celebrations, mostly because of worries over COVID-19 risks. In fact, just 3% of more than 2,000 American consumers in a recent ValuePenguin survey said they will be flying outside their home state for the holiday weekend. What's more, one-third of people plan to spend Turkey Day with just their immediate household.

Here's a closer look at how Thanksgiving travel plans (and related spending) may be different this year.

Key findings

Few consumers will fly this Thanksgiving

The airports are going to be relatively quiet during what is traditionally one of the busiest air travel weeks of the year: Just 3% of consumers are planning to travel by plane out of state. As for the rest, about 6 in 10 plan to stay home, close to 3 in 10 plan to hit the road by car and almost 1 in 10 still haven't decided what they're doing.

Fewer flights also means less in travel costs for most, with consumers planning to spend just $140.72 on Thanksgiving-related travel this year. Parents with kids under age 18 will spend a bit more — $240.94.

There are many reasons to spend less on Thanksgiving travel this year, said Matt Schulz, chief credit analyst at ValuePenguin. "Many simply can't afford to, having lost their jobs or seen their income slashed because of COVID. Others have the financial means but are understandably still squeamish about travel, with COVID having made a big comeback throughout the nation in recent weeks."

On the bright side, 71% Thanksgiving travelers plan to use a reward credit card and earn points from their plane, train, bus or car trip.

"With so many people not traveling in the past six to nine months, lots of folks have been stockpiling points and miles during that time," said Schulz. For those willing to take a chance and get on a plane or stay in a hotel over the holidays, it could mean big savings.

Others who aren't going far can still use rewards to save money at the gas station or extend their grocery budget. "If you're not taking advantage of credit card rewards, you're leaving money on the table," said Schulz.

About half based Thanksgiving plans on coronavirus risk

There's no doubt that the pandemic has weighed heavily on the minds of families trying to decide if they need to scale back their typical Thanksgiving get-togethers. Just about half (49%) said the coronavirus risk was the top consideration, followed by what their family wants to do (41%) and traditions (31%).

Coronavirus risk also may explain why 35% of Americans have decided the safest bet is to spend the day with just the people they live with. But some do plan to celebrate with family and friends outside the household, including parents (20%), siblings (18%), adult children (14%) and grandparents (7%). Just 12% said they are having dinner out at a restaurant.

40% expect arguments at the dinner table, especially about politics

With a contentious election and pandemic tension dominating the headlines all year, it's no surprise that many consumers are anticipating heated discussions around the dinner table. The age group most likely to expect an argument were millennials, while more men than women said fighting was inevitable.

Politics was selected as the top hot button issue by 4 in 10 respondents (no surprise there), with family drama the second-most chosen topic (31%). Rounding out the top three was a brand new 2020-specific category — pandemic-related disagreements (20%).

Tips for a safer Thanksgiving

With so much uncertainty, Thanksgiving travel plans and day-of celebrations will probably look different — and perhaps cost less — this year for many families. Here are some public health guidelines for celebrating Thanksgiving in the safest way possible amid the pandemic:

Celebrate in smaller groups. Though every family situation is unique, consider scaling back the large group gatherings of the past to just your immediate household, as per guidance from the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). You can invite others to your "virtual" Thanksgiving table, of course.

Minimize travel. As infection rates rise, more people are opting for car travel over flying, while many others are staying at home. Staying home is the best way to keep your loved ones safe, however.

Follow safety precautions. If you are gathering, consider moving your feast outdoors, spread out and wear masks except for when you're eating, advises the CDC. In addition, wash your hands often, don't share utensils (single-use plastic is best) and open windows in the house to increase ventilation.

While it might be hard to be separated from loved ones, knowing they're safe and spending less on travel are two upsides you can focus on. "Maybe some of that money saved on travel can go to a little more food on the Thanksgiving table or maybe a little nicer gift for someone for Christmas," said Schulz.

Methodology

ValuePenguin commissioned Qualtrics to conduct an online survey of 2,021 Americans, with the sample base proportioned to represent the overall population. The survey was fielded Oct. 9-13, 2020.

Generations are defined as the following ages in 2020: