Expect more holiday air-travelers

More than 27 million passengers - a record for the Thanksgiving holiday - will likely be flying U.S. airlines worldwide from Nov. 18-29, according to the Airlines for America group. The expected increase will add an average 55,000 daily passengers, which is less than the space added. “U.S. passenger airlines are ready and saving you a spot,” said Jean Medina, a spokeswoman for the group. Airlines expect to carry an average 2.27 million passengers daily during the period. The busiest days will be Sunday, Nov. 27; Monday, Nov. 28; and Wednesday, Nov. 23. The lightest day will be Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 24. The travel surge follows a 9.6% decline in fares during the second quarter of 2016, according to the Transportation Department’s bureau of statistics. The online travel agent Orbitz.com said the average airfare to the top 10 destinations for the Thanksgiving holiday is $409 this year, with hotel costs averaging $158 per night. (USA TODAY 11/02/16)