migrate 2011 MacBook Pro to 2024 MacBook Air

I am migrating my Dad's 2011 MacBook Pro to a new 2024 MacBook Air using migration assistant.

I know I can use wifi for this transfer but would prefer to use a wired method.

Can I use a usb A to usb C connection?

My research suggests that a usb A connection will not transfer the data and that I should use thunderbolt 1 or 2 to thunderbolt 3+ connection. Is this correct? I don't have any early thunderbolt 1 or 2 cables.

I am reluctant to use a time machine backup as this stoped working even after connecting and formatting different external hard drives. I would also prefer not to use an iCloud backup as this, I believe that it won't migrate his other email accounts etc.

As I said before, I can use wifi but expect the this would be slow.