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NEW YORK — 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 vacation 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 1,990,460, Idaho's airports serve 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," says 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 past holiday season from Dec. 21 to Jan. 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 the list, Oregon's airports serve an average of 711,771 passengers each December. With a population of 4,227,340, this equates to a per capita passenger rate of 16,837.
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 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.
