Flights

Affordable Thanksgiving Flights You Can Score Now—If You Hurry

Of all the weekends of the year, when it comes to booking flights, Thanksgiving is probably the worst—read: most expensive—time to fly. That said, if you’re not celebrating the holiday with your family or friends, why let your precious paid holidays go to waste? We’ll let you in on a little secret: you can actually score some decent deals if you’re willing to fly on Thanksgiving Day itself. We’ve done the legwork for you and found some of the cheapest routes across the country this holiday. Best book soon, though—these deals will disappear in a moment!

Note: All prices were accurate when published, but are subject to availability.

Stefanie is a New York–based writer and editor covering travel, architecture and design, art, science, history, and more. She's worked on staff at Architectural Digest, ARTnews, and Oyster.com, and has contributed to Condé Nast Traveler, Popular Science, History.com, and Mental Floss, among others.

See recent posts by Stefanie Waldek

Nashville, Tennessee
"Facade of the Parthenon in Nashville, Tennesse, in warm morning lightMore images from Nashville:"
Nashville, Tennessee
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Nashville

If honky-tonks with live music are calling your name, consider booking a flight to Nashville. Although bustling Broadway and the Country Music Hall of Fame may be the city's biggest claims to fame, there’s also incredible dining to be found and a fantastic cocktail scene. (Hit up Attaboy in East Nashville, an offshoot of the original drinking den in New York, for a taste.) Right now, flights from Chicago are going for $335, Dallas for $317, and New York for $433. Check out the trendy (and relatively new) Thompson Hotel while you’re there, which has a great rooftop bar.

See all flight deals to Nashville (BNA) via Airfarewatchdog > 

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Las Vegas

Las Vegas is a perennial favorite of fun-loving travelers—and we're not just talking about gambling. In addition to Sin City's scores of casinos and nightclubs, there’s also great shopping, world-class entertainment, and trendy restaurants. Plus, renowned sights like the Hoover Dam and the Grand Canyon can be found just outside the city. (Book a helicopter ride if you’re looking to splurge!). Flights are currently clocking in at $199 from L.A., $313 from Chicago, and $475 from New York. For a luxurious stay, we recommend the Mandarin Oriental Las Vegas, a non-gaming hotel on the strip that has Champagne vending machines if you’re looking for a little in-room bubbly.

See all flight deals to Las Vegas (LAS) via Airfarewatchdog > 

Seattle, Washington
Seattle, Washington
Seattle, Washington
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Seattle

With perennially temperate (albeit rainy) weather, Seattle makes for a great year-round getaway. There are plenty of major attractions within the city itself—the Space Needle, Pike Place Market, and the Chihuly Garden and Glass, to name just a few—while, just a short drive away, you'll find a plethora of outdoorsy activities like hiking and skiing. Right now, you can score Thanksgiving flights to Seattle from cities across the country at less than $500: $373 from Chicago, $326 from L.A., and $342 from Dallas. If you book the flight, consider a stay at Hotel Andra, a Scandinavian-inspired boutique property downtown.

See all flight deals to Seattle (SEA) via Airfarewatchdog > 

Minneapolis, Minnesota
Minneapolis, Minnesota
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Minneapolis

It might be a bit chilly in Minneapolis come November—all the better for exploring the city’s great museums like the Walker Art Museum, the Mill City Museum, and the Minneapolis Institute of Art. There’s also a strong Scandinavian heritage here, which you can experience through restaurants like The Bachelor Farmer, centers like the American Swedish Institute, or sports like “skijoring”—a combination of skiing and dogsledding. Flights from L.A. are just $280 right now, and you'll find other options around $300 from Miami and $383 from New York. For a hotel with a great art collection and impeccable design, choose Le Meridien Chambers.

See all flight deals to Minneapolis (MSP) via Airfarewatchdog >

Savannah, Georgia
Savannah, Georgia
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Savannah

The scenic southern city of Savannah is perfect for a November weekend trip, with its historic antebellum homes, a slightly rambunctious nightlife scene, and beach destinations like Tybee Island just a short drive away. Flights to Savannah might be a little more expensive than others on this list, but the city’s charm is worth the spend: fares are currently $386 from New York and $446 from L.A. or Miami. Stay at the Hamilton-Turner Inn for a dose of history—it’s housed in a former private mansion.

See all flight deals to Savannah (SAV) via Airfarewatchdog >

Fort Lauderdale, Florida
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Fort Lauderdale

While many travelers bypass Fort Lauderdale for Miami, the city holds its own with a bevy of award-winning food and drink hangouts, a blossoming art scene, and outdoor activities like stand-up paddle boarding (keep your eye out for manatees!). And let's not forget the beach—a perfect reason to escape the fast-approaching cold weather. If you book now, you can nab flights for as low as $284 from Dallas, $372 from New York, and $345 from Chicago. We recommend the Pelican Grand Beach Resort, a Noble House Resort, for a beachy weekend getaway.

See all flight deals to Fort Lauderdale (FLL) via Airfarewatchdog >

Denver, Colorado
Rocky Mountain peaks in Colorado, covered in early season snow.
With the snow covered Longs Peak part of the Rocky Mountains and the iconic flatirons of Boulder in the background, Downtown Denver skyscrapers including the iconic "mailbox" or "cash register" building as well as hotels, office buildings and apartment buildings fill the skyline.
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Denver

Looking to ski over Thanksgiving? This year, it might be time to head out to Denver, which is surrounded by ski resorts in practically every direction. If the slopes aren’t your thing, you can stay in the city itself and visit the Denver Art Museum or the Clyfford Still Museum. Plus, there are a number of distilleries in town which are prime for tasting tours. We found flights from New York around $381, while flights from Los Angeles are hovering around $302. The Brown Palace Hotel and Spa, Autograph Collection, provides a historic stay with five restaurants and bars, a top-notch spa, and an iconic afternoon tea.

See all flight deals to Denver (DEN) via Airfarewatchdog >

Skiing in Salt Lake City
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Salt Lake City

Like Denver, Salt Lake City offers plenty of skiing options for those looking for an active getaway, but the city is also home to fun activities for the whole family, ranging from the Natural History Museum of Utah to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. You can also head out of town to see the famous Bonneville Salt Flats, just west of the city. For Thanksgiving weekend, flights from Los Angeles are $274, while flights from Chicago are $378. Opt for a stay at the opulent Grand America Hotel, which offers guests European flair in the heart of America and live jazz in the lobby lounge on Friday and Saturday nights.

See all flight deals to Salt Lake City (SLC) via Airfarewatchdog >

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