The Big Number: 18%

Airlines typically lower their fares when they’re trying to attract more customers. But a record number of passengers — nearly 30 million — are expected to take domestic flights this Thanksgiving.

Still, airlines say they have noticed demand slowing outside of peak travel periods, and the competition is stiff on certain routes. Some airports have been so flooded with flights that carriers have cut fares to fill their planes.

The lower ticket prices may also tell a story about the industry’s pandemic recovery. High demand in the aftermath of pandemic lockdowns drove up airfares, as did weather and other disruptions along with shortages of trained pilots, parts and planes.

But now the supply of tickets appears to be catching up and, on some routes, even overtaking demand.

Inflation-weary travelers will also catch a break when they arrive at their dinner tables.

Compared with last Thanksgiving, when annual inflation was around 7.7 percent, food price increases have moderated, though the cost of meat, fruits and vegetables all increased slightly in October from the month before.