For plenty of Americans, the idea of leisure travel in the next few weeks is out of the picture. However, during one of the country's busiest travel periods, airlines are offering some excellent fares. Here is a roundup of some of the best Thanksgiving-week travel deals departing the United States.
While the situation is fluid, a lot of airlines are offering change waivers for travel. Every person should decide for themselves if they want to book a trip over the Thanksgiving period.
Europe
Fares to Europe are excellent over the Thanksgiving period. Corsair and French Bee are offering flights for under $300 roundtrip while United is clocking in at just under $400.
From Los Angeles to London, British Airways, United, American, and Delta are all offering business class for under $2,700, including on nonstop options.
Asia
American Airlines is offering flights from Los Angeles to Beijing for under $500 roundtrip.
For $670, passengers can fly from New York to Hong Kong with a stop in Seoul on Asiana.
North America
For under $250, you can fly roundtrip from New York to Los Angeles.
Flights from Los Angeles to Toronto, nonstop, are available for as low as $380 on WestJet and $430 on Air Canada.
Africa
On Kenya Airways, you can fly from New York to Johannesburg, South Africa, for under $650.
From Los Angeles to Cape Town, there are several options for $650 and under, including on SWISS, South African Airways, and Qatar Airways.
Oceania
Los Angeles to Fiji is available for $662 roundtrip nonstop on Fiji Airways' brand new Airbus A350.
New York to Sydney on Qatar Airways is available for $873 roundtrip.
Central and South America
During Thanksgiving, it may be a good opportunity for a family getaway to South America where, in most places, it will be warmer than much of the United States. From New York, there are some excellent options. You can fly down, nonstop, to Sao Paulo for $550.
Fancy a trip to Peru? You can score a trip from New York to Lima for $250 on Avianca or nonstop on LATAM for $300.
Where else can I fly?
There are plenty of options for you to plan your travels. If you are itching to book, head over to Google Flights and find the best tickets for you. Note that many airlines are offering flexible booking options on flights booked before the end of the month.
Some of these flights may not be direct to where you want to go. From there, however, there may be deals to other cities. For example, for flights between Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, GOL, and LATAM are offering roundtrip fares for under $50.
Is it safe to book?
Every person needs to decide for themselves. The situation remains fluid, and it is unclear precisely what the world will look like in November. However, airlines are offering opportunities to be flexible and giving passengers plenty of options to rebook travel.
These deals, though available now, may not be around later. This author took a chance on an $800 business class fare from New York to Sao Paulo over the same period a week ago that is no longer available. That being said, a deal that isn't around today may be possible tomorrow.
Nevertheless, airfare can change on a day-to-day basis, so it usually is a good idea to plan ahead and to book when you see it. To add additional peace of mind, consider getting a travel insurance plan that would cover you in case of trip interruption, delay, or unforeseen medical costs.
Will you take advantage of any of these fares? Let us know in the comments!