By Catriona Maria, Wealth of Geeks via AP//January 23, 2025//
By Catriona Maria, Wealth of Geeks via AP//January 23, 2025//
Idaho ranks ninth among U.S. states with the busiest airports in December, according to a new analysis of passenger traffic data. The findings, compiled by luxury villa rental company Cabo Villa Vegas Dave, highlight the Gem State’s significant role in holiday air travel.
The study examined passenger traffic from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, analyzing data from the past five years, from December 2019 to December 2023. Results were adjusted for population to determine which states experience the highest per capita passenger rates during the holiday season.
Idaho’s per capita passenger rate of 9,882 per 100,000 residents exceeds the national average of 7,746.68 by 27.5%. With a population of 1.99 million, Idaho’s airports served an average of 196,695 passengers in December.
“With Idaho contributing significantly to air traffic in December between 2019 and 2023, the travel surge highlights the importance of strategic planning,” said a spokesperson for Cabo Villa Vegas Dave. “As the number of passengers soars during December, travelers are advised to plan ahead and secure accommodations early for a stress-free holiday experience.”
The AAA projected a record 119 million Americans traveled this holiday season from December 21 to January 1, with 7.85 million passengers traveling by air. These figures are up 4.67% since last year.
Hawaii leads the nation with 88,703 passengers per 100,000 residents in December, followed by Alaska (38,846) and Oregon (16,837). Montana, Missouri, Louisiana, Rhode Island, North Dakota, and Nebraska join Idaho in rounding out the top 10.
Ranked first, Hawaii boasts an average of 1,269,231 passengers flying each December. With a population of 1,430,880, its per capita rate of 88,703 passengers per 100,000 residents demonstrates its enduring popularity as a winter vacation destination.
The state’s thriving tourism industry peaks in the last two weeks of December and the first week of January, according to Hawaiian Airlines, with travelers flocking to its beaches to enjoy the warm climate.
Quite in contrast to Hawaii’s colorful sands, Alaska ranks second with a December passenger count average of 284,946. Despite a relatively small population of 733,536, the state’s per capita rate of 38,846 passengers per 100,000 residents reflects the logistical reliance on air travel in this remote and vast state.
Seasonal travel also contributes to these high figures, as many residents and visitors brave the cold for the holidays and use it as a base for exploring the Arctic.
Oregon is very much a year-round destination, and winter is no different. Topping third place on our list, Oregon’s airports serve an average of 711,771.6 passengers each December. With a population of 4,227,340, this equates to a per capita passenger rate of 16,837.
Don’t let the holiday stress beat you. Recently spotted at Portland International Airport were Beni, the llama, and Captain Jack, the alpaca, as part of an animal therapy program. The airport was also recently redesigned to incorporate live trees and expansive Douglas Fir ceilings, according to NPR.
Montana ranks fourth among the 50 U.S. states with 176,860.8 average December passengers. Its population of 1,142,750 yields a per capita rate of 15,477 passengers per 100,000 residents.
Montana’s appeal lies in its winter activities, with tourists heading to ski resorts such as the Big Sky and navigating the plowed roads of the national parks during the holiday season.
In fifth place, Missouri records an average of 919,320 December passengers. With a population of 6,215,140, this translates to a per capita rate of 14,792. Major airports like St. Louis Lambert International Airport and Kansas City International Airport see heavy holiday traffic fueled by family visits and outdoor recreation.
The survey ranks Louisiana in sixth position, serving an average of 541,401.6 passengers each December. Its population of 4,559,480 results in a per capita rate of 11,874 passengers per 100,000 residents.
Luckily for Louisiana, the state will likely experience a warmer and drier winter this year, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s ( NOAA ) 2024-2025 report. The diverse New Orleans cuisine and sporting event range, such as football, are much anticipated during the holiday season.
Crowned seventh place, Rhode Island’s average of 117,055.4 December passengers might seem small, but with a population of 1,098,080, its per capita rate of 10,660 is notable. While not the busiest time of year, Rhode Island offers a snowy winter wonderland, and Newport, a city in the New England state, is home to some of the most lavishly decorated mansions.
North Dakota’s airports handle an average of 83,348 December passengers. With a population of 788,940, the state’s per capita rate of 10,565 ranks eighth on the survey.
The Official North Dakota Travel & Tourism Guide recommends activities such as ice fishing to its visitors. Head to any of its hundreds of lakes and rivers and chase northern pike, walleye, and perch.
Ninth overall, Idaho serves an average of 196,694.6 December passengers. Its population of 1,990,460 yields a per capita rate of 9,882 passengers per 100,000 residents, reflecting its growing popularity as a winter travel hub.
Nebraska rounds out the top 10 with an average of 193,725 December passengers. With a population of 1,988,700, its per capita rate of 9,741 highlights the demand for air travel in this central state despite the several bouts of snow and subfreezing temperatures.
The study reveals intriguing trends among smaller states like Rhode Island and North Dakota, whose high per capita rates rival larger states with busier airports. Meanwhile, more populous states such as California and Texas see significant total passenger numbers but rank lower in per capita analysis due to their large populations.