Thanksgiving Travel: Buses and Trains Gain Popularity Amid Airline Chaos

The holiday season is here, and Americans are rethinking how they get to their destinations. With air travel facing major disruptions, many are turning to buses and trains for their Thanksgiving trips. Flight cancellations and long security lines have left travelers frustrated. The U. S. Senate has taken steps to reopen the government, but air travel is expected to remain chaotic for some time. This has led many to consider alternative transportation options. Bus and train bookings for the Thanksgiving holiday have seen a significant increase. According to travel search engine Wanderu, bookings are up 12% compared to last year. Some departure dates have seen a 20% to 30% increase in bookings. Popular destinations include the suburbs of St. Louis, New York City, and Washington, D. C. Airlines have been hit hard by the disruptions. On Monday, about 2, 400 flights were canceled, and over 9, 500 were delayed. The situation was even worse on Sunday, with nearly 2, 950 flights canceled and 11, 200 delayed. This marks the worst day for flight disruptions since the government shutdown began in October. Bus companies like Megabus and Greyhound have noticed a surge in bookings. Kai Boysan, CEO of Flix North America, which operates the largest intercity bus network on the continent, said searches for buses are trending higher, especially around peak travel days. Amtrak is also anticipating a record-breaking Thanksgiving travel season. The company has seen double-digit growth in early bookings compared to last year. To meet the demand, Amtrak is expanding capacity for its Northeast regional routes, including Boston and Washington. Last year, over 1. 2 million passengers traveled with Amtrak during the Thanksgiving holiday. Some travelers are even considering canceling their Thanksgiving plans due to the travel chaos. Harry Cooke, 28, who typically travels to Boston to visit family, said, "This would be a rare case where it is probably easier for us to say no to Thanksgiving. " The holiday travel is hectic enough without the added stress of a government shutdown. Airlines for America, which represents major U. S. airlines, has urged customers to stick with their current travel plans. However, with flight bookings trending slightly above last year, it remains to be seen how many will heed this advice. The cost of alternative transportation has also risen. Over the past week, bus and train prices have increased by 11% and 10%, respectively. Travelers who booked their tickets in early October avoided a 16% rise in bus ticket prices. As the holiday gets closer, prices are expected to continue rising.