How to Make Thanksgiving Travel Easy with Priority Pass

As Thanksgiving approaches, millions of travellers across the U.S. prepare for one of the busiest travel periods of the year. Whether you’re jetting off to visit family, taking a holiday getaway, or just trying to escape the chaos, the holiday is synonymous with feasting, football, and let’s be honest—lines at the airport! But with a Priority Pass membership, your journey can start off in style, with a cosy lounge experience before heading to your Thanksgiving dinner.

So, while you may be thinking about traditional Thanksgiving dishes, like roasted turkey or pumpkin pie, let's also explore how travel and Priority Pass lounges can make your Thanksgiving journey smoother. And don’t worry, we’ll still talk turkey—plus cocktails, football, and even a little history!

Why We Celebrate Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving, of course, is a day of gratitude. For many, it's a chance to reflect on the blessings of the past year, spend time with loved ones, and share a delicious meal. But why is Thanksgiving celebrated? Historically, the holiday marks a celebration of a successful harvest, with roots tracing back to early settlers in Plymouth, Massachusetts, in 1621. Today, it’s a time to appreciate the good things in life—whether that’s a well-cooked meal or simply making it through airport security without losing your patience!

When is Thanksgiving Break?

For those planning their trips, knowing when Thanksgiving break starts is crucial as many schools and businesses take time off around the holiday, with long weekends and extended vacations offering the perfect opportunity to visit loved ones.

Thanksgiving always falls on the fourth Thursday of November, and in 2024, due to the leap year, it lands on its latest possible date—November 28th.

Thanksgiving Travel: Beat the Rush, Lounge in Style

If you're among the 55 million people expected to travel during Thanksgiving weekend, you know the hustle and bustle that comes with the holiday season. The Wednesday before Thanksgiving and the Sunday after are typically the most crowded days at airports, which means lines for check-ins, security, and boarding can feel longer than your traditional Thanksgiving dinner menu checklist.

But there's good news! You don’t have to settle for sitting on uncomfortable airport seats or grabbing fast food. Priority Pass lounges offer the perfect escape. Relax in a quiet space, sip on a refreshing drink, and recharge with complimentary Wi-Fi and snacks before your flight. In fact, some lounges even tailor their offerings to reflect seasonal flavours.

Football & Travel: A Thanksgiving Tradition

For many, Thanksgiving wouldn't be complete without football. The NFL has hosted Thanksgiving games since 1934, with millions of fans tuning in to watch teams battle it out while they feast. Whether you're a fan of the NFL Thanksgiving games or you’re just keeping an eye on the score, lounges with live TV broadcasts ensure you won’t miss a second of the action.

With your Priority Pass, you can catch the game while enjoying the lounge’s amenities. And when you're flying across time zones, this is the best way to keep your Thanksgiving tradition intact, even if you're far from home. Free Wi-Fi means you can catch up on work or plan your Black Friday shopping (hello, travel deals!) from the comfort of the lounge.

Thanksgiving Dishes: From Lounges to the Table

Of course, the heart of Thanksgiving is the food. While you won’t get a full traditional Thanksgiving spread at an airport lounge (although that would be amazing), many lounges offer tasty bites that rival some of the best Thanksgiving dishes. Whether it’s gourmet snacks or hearty soups, your Priority Pass lounge will have you covered.

Travelling with dietary restrictions? Don’t worry! With the rise of vegan Thanksgiving recipes becoming popular, you’ll find many airport lounges offering vegan and plant-based options. Perfect for fuelling up before you land at grandma’s house for the traditional Thanksgiving dinner.

Canadian Thanksgiving: Same Gratitude, Different Date

Did you know that Thanksgiving isn’t just an American holiday? In Canada, they celebrate Canadian Thanksgiving on the second Monday in October. Like the U.S., it’s a time for family, feasting, and football, but it’s held earlier in the year to align with the end of the harvest season. And for our readers asking, "Do other countries celebrate Thanksgiving?"—the answer is yes, but often in different forms. While Thanksgiving as we know it is primarily a North American tradition, countries like Germany (Erntedankfest) and Japan (Labor Thanksgiving Day) have their own festivals of gratitude.

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