their share of the estimated 11 million passengers expected to fly during this year's Thanksgiving travel crush.

Some 30.4 million Americans will travel more than 100 miles from home during the holiday by plane, train or other transport, says the American Automobile Association. That's a three percent increase from last year.

The strong economy and generally lower air fares are enticing more Americans to travel.

"It's consistent with what we've seen all year long,'' said James Cammisa, editor of Travel Industry Indicators. "Consumer fundamentals are very positive, prices are attractive, airfares are actually below a year ago and hotel increases are behind the inflation rate.'' To attract passengers to less popular travel times or routes, airlines are offering gimmicks and promotions. Airlines need to fill seats on routes favoured by business travelers or on Thursday and Friday.

United Airlines is selling some seats on Los Angeles-San Francisco flights for $9.97 one-way and is donating the proceeds to charities for the homeless.

On flights between Washington, New York or Boston, Delta will give $50 discounts to passengers who bring nonperishable food that will be donated to charities.

Northwest Airlines hopes to use the traditional first day of Christmas shopping to boost travel on Friday. The airline is offering roundtrip fares of $59 to $159 for daytrips between 50 cities and the Mall of America, a huge shopping center near Northwest's main airport in Minneapolis.