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Thanksgiving Escape Plans: Where Spirit Flyers Are Setting Their Sights (and Booking Flights)

October 22, 2025

Summary

Spirit Airlines has released its analysis of top-searched destinations for Thanksgiving 2024, offering a fascinating glimpse into where Americans are planning to spend their holiday. This isn't just about popularity; it reflects broader trends in travel – a desire for warm weather escapes, affordability-driven travel choices, and a continued preference for destinations offering a blend of relaxation and activities. The list is dominated by warm-weather locales, signaling a strong preference for escaping colder climates during the Thanksgiving break. Spirit's data highlights a clear pattern: destinations with lower average flight costs and a strong appeal for families and leisure travelers are leading the pack. This data is valuable for both travelers planning their trips and the travel industry, offering insights into demand and potential opportunities. The report underscores Spirit’s role as a key player in budget-friendly travel, catering to a significant portion of the market. Furthermore, the destinations chosen reveal a consistent desire for accessible vacation experiences, where travelers can enjoy a break without breaking the bank. The analysis also hints at a potential shift towards destinations that offer more than just beaches – incorporating cultural experiences, outdoor activities, and family-friendly attractions.

Key Details

  • Top Searched Destinations (Spirit Airlines):
  • Cancun, Mexico
  • Orlando, Florida
  • Las Vegas, Nevada
  • Fort Lauderdale, Florida
  • Miami, Florida
  • Los Angeles, California
  • New York, New York
  • San Juan, Puerto Rico
  • Tampa, Florida
  • Denver, Colorado
  • Data Source: Spirit Airlines flight search data.
  • Timeframe: Based on current search trends leading up to Thanksgiving 2024.
  • Focus: Destinations with high search volume for flights during the Thanksgiving holiday period.

Geographical Information

Location Name Country/Region Key Details
Cancun Mexico Popular for all-inclusive resorts, beautiful beaches, Mayan ruins, and vibrant nightlife.
Orlando Florida, USA Home to Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort, and numerous other theme parks, offering family-friendly entertainment.
Las Vegas Nevada, USA Known for casinos, entertainment, fine dining, and a lively nightlife, attracting a diverse range of travelers.
Fort Lauderdale Florida, USA Offers beaches, boating, water sports, and a more relaxed atmosphere than Miami.
Miami Florida, USA A major hub for international travel, known for its beaches, Art Deco architecture, vibrant cultural scene, and nightlife.
Los Angeles California, USA A major entertainment hub, home to Hollywood, beaches, museums, and diverse cultural neighborhoods.
New York New York, USA A global center for finance, culture, and entertainment, with iconic landmarks, museums, and shopping.
San Juan Puerto Rico A U.S. territory with beautiful beaches, historical sites, rainforests, and a rich cultural heritage.
Tampa Florida, USA Known for its beaches, Busch Gardens theme park, and a growing culinary scene.
Denver Colorado, USA Gateway to the Rocky Mountains, offering outdoor activities like hiking, skiing, and mountain biking, as well as a vibrant city center.

Impact & Implications

  • Travelers:
  • Affordability: The popularity of destinations like Cancun, Fort Lauderdale, and Orlando suggests travelers are prioritizing affordability when choosing their Thanksgiving trips.
  • Warm Weather Preference: The list overwhelmingly favors warmer climates, indicating a desire to escape colder temperatures during the holiday.
  • Family-Friendly Focus: Orlando's high ranking underscores the importance of family travel during Thanksgiving.
  • Increased Competition: Popular destinations will likely experience increased demand and potentially higher prices for flights and accommodations.
  • Travel Restrictions/Requirements: Travelers should check the latest COVID-19 related travel restrictions and entry requirements for their chosen destination. This includes vaccination requirements, testing protocols, and quarantine rules.
  • Safety Considerations: Travelers should be aware of potential safety concerns in their chosen destination, such as petty theft, scams, or natural disasters. Checking travel advisories from government sources is recommended.

Additional Context

Thanksgiving is a peak travel season in the United States, with millions of Americans traveling to visit family and friends or to take vacations. The holiday is often associated with family gatherings, traditional meals, and a desire for relaxation and enjoyment. The choice of destinations reflects a blend of tradition (visiting family) and the desire for a getaway. Budget-conscious travel has become increasingly important in recent years, influencing destination choices and travel planning. The rise of ultra-low-cost carriers like Spirit Airlines has further fueled this trend.

Original Source

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top 5 most searched Thanksgiving destinations according to Spirit Airlines?

The top 5 destinations are: Cancun, Orlando, Las Vegas, Fort Lauderdale, and Miami.

When is the data for this report based on?

The data reflects current search trends leading up to Thanksgiving 2024 (Nov. 25 - Dec. 1, 2025).

Why are warm-weather destinations so popular for Thanksgiving travel?

Travelers are prioritizing warm weather as an escape from colder climates during the holiday.

What does this report suggest about travel affordability during Thanksgiving?

The popularity of destinations like Cancun and Fort Lauderdale indicates travelers are prioritizing affordability.

What should travelers do before booking a trip to one of these destinations?

Travelers should check the latest COVID-19 travel restrictions, safety advisories, and entry requirements for their chosen destination.

About the Author
Author avatar
Samantha Turner
Senior Travel Analyst & Industry Expert
Aviation industry expert and frequent flyer.
Experience: 8+ years in travel journalism
Expertise: Global travel trends & industry analysis
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Airline Industry Hotel & Hospitality Cruise Lines Tourism Trends Travel Technology Destination Analysis
Key Achievements:
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