Long Beach and Fellow California Gateways Challenge Major US Hubs as Thanksgiving Travel Alternatives Gain Ground

America’s secondary airports are attracting fresh attention ahead of Thanksgiving 2026, as travellers reconsider their dependence on major aviation hubs. Long Beach, Oakland, Hollywood Burbank and Sacramento offer alternative entry points into California’s busiest tourism regions. Amadeus reported a 9% increase in Thanksgiving bookings across mid-sized and smaller airports in its 2025 analysis. Its data also placed three California airports among the fastest-growing destinations. However, actual passenger screening figures reveal a more complicated picture. With domestic Thanksgiving airfares averaging $402 in 2026, travellers face mounting pressure to compare flight availability, hotel costs and ground transportation. The emerging competition could reshape how visitors approach California’s holiday travel market.

California’s Smaller Gateways Enter the Thanksgiving Race

The Thanksgiving travel market is exposing an increasingly important distinction between airport size and passenger convenience. Travellers no longer need to choose the largest airport serving a metropolitan region automatically. Instead, proximity, nonstop connections, parking and onward transportation can influence their decisions.

Amadeus identified Long Beach, Oakland, Burbank and Sacramento among the fastest-growing Thanksgiving destinations in its 2025 travel analysis. Its research reported 9% growth in bookings across mid-sized and smaller airports compared with the previous year. California featured prominently in this movement, suggesting stronger interest in alternative regional gateways.

However, the findings require careful interpretation. Amadeus measured booking and scheduled travel activity, not a verified transfer of passengers from major airports. Its analysis covered air travel from 25 November to 2 December 2025. The hotel measurement window covered 23–29 November.

A separate analysis of actual Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoint screenings presents a different picture. Nationwide, TSA screened 18,104,378 passengers between 25 November and 1 December 2025. That represented only 0.1% growth against the comparable 2024 holiday period.

The contrast makes this year’s airport competition particularly interesting. Booking momentum does not automatically translate into completed journeys or higher passenger throughput. Therefore, travellers and tourism businesses must examine several indicators before declaring regional aviation winners.

Four Airports, Four Distinct Advantages

The four airports serve different geographical markets and visitor profiles. Their competitive strengths also depend on where travellers ultimately intend to stay.

Long Beach Airport offers a particularly interesting proposition for Southern California visitors. Its official destination network lists 21 nonstop airports and one-stop connections to nearly 400 global cities. Southwest Airlines, Delta Air Lines and Hawaiian Airlines serve its commercial network.

The airport’s location also benefits travellers visiting Long Beach, coastal communities and parts of Orange County. Visitors can avoid travelling through LAX when their accommodation lies closer to Long Beach. Nevertheless, a smaller route network limits choices for some international and domestic itineraries.

Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport provides another geographical advantage. It serves the East Bay, including Oakland and Berkeley, while offering access to the wider San Francisco metropolitan region. Travellers staying in Oakland may find it more practical than crossing the bay from San Francisco International Airport.

However, Oakland’s holiday performance deserves scrutiny. TSA screening data recorded approximately 92,100 departing passengers during Thanksgiving 2025. That represented an 8.1% decline against the previous year’s comparable period. Passenger Index

Hollywood Burbank Airport offers a different proposition for visitors heading towards Hollywood, studio districts and the San Fernando Valley. Its location can reduce the ground journey for travellers whose accommodation lies in northern Los Angeles. The airport publishes nonstop connections to destinations including Chicago, Denver, New York, Seattle, Phoenix and Austin. hollywoodburbankairport.com+1

Nevertheless, Burbank’s compact setting does not guarantee better holiday performance. TSA recorded approximately 67,300 departing passengers during Thanksgiving 2025. That figure represented a 16.3% annual decline, the steepest among the four airports examined. Passenger Index

Sacramento International Airport stands apart because it combines a substantial passenger base with expanding airline connectivity. The airport handled a record 13,912,718 passengers during 2025, increasing 2% against 2024. It also recorded 23 consecutive months of year-on-year passenger growth through October 2025.

Sacramento therefore represents more than a smaller alternative to San Francisco. It functions as an increasingly important regional gateway in its own right.

Passenger Statistics Reveal a More Complicated Contest

The strongest evidence comes from comparing scheduled holiday demand with completed passenger movements. These datasets measure different activities, but together they reveal why airport rankings require careful examination.

Amadeus’ 2025 Thanksgiving analysis identified substantial scheduled-arrival growth at several smaller airports. Long Beach recorded the strongest increase among the four named California markets. Oakland and Burbank also featured prominently. Its Sacramento entry, however, referred to Sacramento Executive Airport, not Sacramento International Airport.

The distinction matters because Sacramento Executive (SAC) and Sacramento International (SMF) are separate airports. The 31% scheduled-arrival growth reported for SAC cannot be attributed to SMF.

Meanwhile, TSA’s completed holiday screening data showed declines at all four airports. The following comparison uses departing passengers screened between 25 November and 1 December 2025.

The figures challenge the idea that every smaller airport is already gaining holiday passengers. Long Beach and Burbank attracted stronger scheduled-arrival interest in Amadeus’ analysis, yet their completed departure-screening figures declined.

Sacramento International presents a more encouraging annual picture. Its 13.9 million annual passengers in 2025 demonstrate a considerably larger operation than the other three airports’ holiday screening totals might suggest. The airport also reported more than 400,000 travellers who previously used Bay Area airports but subsequently chose Sacramento.

That development offers tangible evidence of regional airport competition. However, it does not establish that every retained traveller previously used SFO. The airport’s statement describes travellers who had chosen Bay Area airports in the past, rather than a verified one-for-one transfer from a specific competitor.

Direct Flights Determine the Real Advantage

Airport convenience becomes meaningful when travellers can reach their destinations without unnecessary connections. Therefore, airline networks deserve as much attention as passenger statistics.

Long Beach offers 21 nonstop destinations, including Chicago, Denver, Honolulu, Houston, Nashville, New Orleans, Orlando and Seattle. Its route network supports domestic leisure travel and selected island connections. However, passengers seeking international long-haul services generally need an onward connection.

Burbank offers a broad domestic selection, with Southwest, Alaska, American, Delta, United and other carriers represented across its published destination network. Its nonstop connections include major cities and regional leisure destinations. This network particularly benefits visitors whose final destination lies near northern Los Angeles.

Oakland offers an important alternative for travellers heading towards the East Bay. Southwest and other carriers provide domestic connectivity, while Volaris supports selected Mexican connections. Its practical advantage depends heavily on the passenger’s final destination and preferred airline.

Sacramento’s network has expanded considerably. Its airport authority reported six new nonstop routes during 2025, including services to Anchorage, Baltimore, Morelia, Orlando, Puerto Vallarta and Tucson. The airport also reported more than 200 daily nonstop flights on 11 domestic and international carriers during its 2025 expansion programme.

Its official destination information currently lists more than 50 nonstop destinations. This network strengthens Sacramento’s position for domestic travellers and visitors exploring Northern California.

These network figures should not be treated as identical measures of available capacity. Airlines can change schedules, frequencies and seasonal services before Thanksgiving. Travellers should check actual operating dates rather than assume every published route runs daily.

Major Hubs Face a Different Kind of Competition

The comparison becomes more compelling when LAX, SFO and San José enter the picture. These major airports retain extensive airline networks, international connectivity and significant passenger volumes. Nevertheless, their regional alternatives can appeal to travellers who prioritise geographical convenience.

Los Angeles International Airport recorded approximately 689,000 departing TSA-screened passengers during Thanksgiving 2025. Its year-on-year change was -2.9%, compared with -5.1% at Long Beach and -16.3% at Burbank.

San Francisco International recorded approximately 502,000 departures screened, increasing 2.9%. Oakland’s comparable figure was 92,100, down 8.1%. This suggests that Oakland did not outperform SFO in completed holiday departure traffic during that particular period.

San José Mineta International Airport recorded approximately 111,000 departures screened, declining 13.6%. That provides another indication of shifting passenger patterns within the Bay Area. However, it does not establish that Oakland captured those passengers.

The figures reveal a more nuanced competitive landscape. SFO expanded its holiday departure throughput, while LAX experienced a modest decline. Oakland and San José both recorded decreases.

Airport substitution is not the same as market-share transfer. A traveller choosing Oakland instead of SFO may simply live closer to Oakland. Likewise, a Burbank passenger might never have considered LAX because of the final destination.

For airlines and airport authorities, the challenge involves attracting additional passengers without compromising route profitability. For tourism businesses, the opportunity lies in connecting airport convenience with accommodation, attractions and visitor spending.

Hotels Become the Next Battleground

Airline activity tells only part of the tourism story. Hotel occupancy, room rates and advance reservations can reveal whether airport traffic generates wider economic benefits.

Long Beach offers access to waterfront accommodation, downtown hotels and coastal attractions. Its Thanksgiving market could benefit from family visits extending into leisure stays. Visitors may also combine reunions with beach activities, dining and regional sightseeing.

Oakland presents a different accommodation proposition. Hotels across Downtown Oakland and Berkeley can serve visitors seeking East Bay access. Meanwhile, Burbank’s hotel market benefits from entertainment districts, studio-related visits and proximity to northern Los Angeles.

Sacramento offers downtown accommodation, government-related travel, family reunions and access to Northern California attractions. Visitors can also use the city as a base for regional excursions.

However, airport passenger growth does not automatically prove hotel demand growth. Publicly available comparable Thanksgiving occupancy, average daily rate and revenue-per-available-room figures were not established for all four markets. Consequently, the article cannot responsibly declare a hotel-demand winner.

The most useful industry indicators remain:

Amadeus uses forward-looking hotel occupancy and rate intelligence in its Thanksgiving research. Its analysis suggests that airport demand and accommodation preferences should be studied together. Nevertheless, metropolitan hotel figures cannot independently prove that arrivals at a particular airport generated additional bookings.

Rental Cars Reveal the Regional Tourism Opportunity

Rental vehicles can determine whether a regional airport works for visitors planning multi-destination holidays. Long Beach connects travellers with coastal Southern California, while Oakland provides access to the East Bay and wider Northern California. Burbank can support road journeys across Los Angeles, while Sacramento offers access to wine-country communities and the Sierra Nevada.

Hopper’s 2026 Holiday Travel Index identifies a more expensive Thanksgiving travel environment. Domestic round-trip airfare averages approximately $402, up 31% from 2025. Domestic hotel nightly rates average $170, broadly unchanged year-on-year. Hopper

These national averages make complete journey costing especially important. A cheaper flight into a smaller airport may lose its financial advantage through expensive transfers, rental vehicles or longer road journeys.

Airport-specific rental-car reservation totals for LGB, OAK, BUR and SMF are not publicly established in the research reviewed. Therefore, national rental forecasts cannot be presented as proof of increased bookings at these locations.

The industry should examine advance reservations, vehicle availability, rental duration and average daily prices. SUV and larger-vehicle availability also deserves attention because family reunions often involve additional passengers and luggage.

For tourism operators, this creates opportunities to develop airport-linked packages. Hotels, car-hire companies, attractions and local transport providers can coordinate offers around Thanksgiving arrival patterns.

Thanksgiving Costs Raise the Stakes for Travellers

The 2026 holiday outlook adds another layer to the airport competition. Thanksgiving falls on 26 November 2026, with the principal seven-day TSA measurement period running from Tuesday, 24 November, through Monday, 30 November.

Hopper’s September 2026 research identifies Thanksgiving as one of the most expensive domestic travel periods in a decade. Its $402 average domestic return airfare represents a $95 increase against 2025. Meanwhile, the $170 average hotel nightly rate remains broadly stable.

The difference between rising airfares and relatively stable national hotel rates creates an important opportunity for travellers. They can compare alternative airports without assuming that a cheaper flight automatically delivers a cheaper holiday.

The previous Thanksgiving period also offers a useful scheduling lesson. Sunday, 30 November 2025, recorded 3,134,613 TSA screenings nationwide. It became the busiest single day in the agency’s recorded history.

The Sunday after Thanksgiving could again experience substantial return traffic in 2026. However, historical patterns should guide planning rather than serve as an official passenger forecast.

Sacramento’s Expansion Changes Northern California

Sacramento deserves particular attention because its growth reflects infrastructure investment and changing regional travel preferences. The airport authority’s 2025 results recorded 13.9 million passengers, alongside six additional nonstop routes.

Its wider SMForward modernisation programme carries an estimated investment of $1.4 billion. The programme includes parking improvements, a pedestrian walkway, terminal enhancements and upgraded passenger facilities. These developments strengthen the airport’s long-term regional competitiveness.

The authority also reported retaining more than 400,000 travellers who previously used Bay Area airports. This figure suggests that regional passengers increasingly value shorter journeys to their departure airports. It also demonstrates how airport development can influence travel decisions beyond the immediate city.

Nevertheless, Sacramento’s expansion does not mean every traveller should abandon SFO. International passengers, premium-cabin customers and travellers requiring particular connections may still benefit from San Francisco’s broader network.

The more significant development concerns regional self-sufficiency. Sacramento is building a stronger aviation network while serving visitors who might previously have driven towards the Bay Area.

Practical Choices Before Booking Flights

Travellers comparing Thanksgiving airport alternatives should examine the entire journey rather than focus exclusively on airfare. The most convenient airport depends on accommodation, flight schedules, family arrangements and onward transport.

Useful planning advice:

• Compare LGB, BUR and LAX when visiting different parts of Southern California.
• Check OAK and SFO fares when staying in the East Bay or San Francisco.
• Compare SMF with Bay Area airports before booking Northern California road trips.
• Check nonstop schedules carefully, particularly for less frequent routes.
• Reserve rental vehicles early when travelling with larger family groups.
• Compare airport parking, transfers, tolls and fuel costs before selecting flights.
• Allow additional driving time during Thanksgiving traffic.
• Check weather and road conditions before travelling towards the Sierra Nevada.
• Review baggage allowances, change fees and connection times before purchasing tickets.

Travellers should also examine airport accessibility. Burbank offers bus and rail connections, while Oakland provides access to regional public transportation. Sacramento and Long Beach have their own ground-transportation arrangements. However, the most suitable option depends on the final accommodation address.

What the Industry Should Watch Next

The coming holiday period offers an opportunity for airports, airlines and tourism organisations to evaluate changing passenger preferences. Passenger growth, airline capacity and hotel performance should form part of a broader regional tourism assessment.

For airlines, smaller airports can offer access to attractive catchment areas without requiring passengers to travel through congested metropolitan gateways. However, route profitability depends on demand, aircraft utilisation, operating costs and competitive fares.

For hotels, the opportunity lies in attracting visitors who arrive earlier, extend their stays or explore neighbouring destinations. Meanwhile, rental-car operators can benefit from family groups and regional sightseeing itineraries.

Airport authorities should also monitor passenger satisfaction, public transport integration and parking capacity. A compact terminal cannot guarantee a seamless journey if road access or rental-car availability becomes a bottleneck.

The next decisive evidence will come from actual Thanksgiving 2026 passenger statistics. TSA screenings, airport traffic reports and airline capacity data will help establish whether advance booking interest translates into completed journeys.

California’s Holiday Gateway Race Continues

America’s smaller aviation gateways are attracting attention, but their competitive position remains uneven. Amadeus’ booking analysis identified promising Thanksgiving demand, while completed 2025 passenger screening figures showed declines across all four airports. Sacramento International nevertheless recorded a record annual passenger total and significant network expansion.

For travellers, the strongest choice depends on the destination rather than airport size alone. Long Beach, Oakland, Burbank and Sacramento each offer distinct geographical advantages. However, their ability to deliver cheaper, faster and more convenient holiday journeys requires broader comparisons. Thanksgiving 2026 will provide another important test of whether regional airports can convert booking interest into sustained passenger growth and wider tourism spending.

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