The Great Thanksgiving Takeoff: What to Know About the Busiest Travel Week in 15 Years

The FAA expects Thanksgiving 2025 to bring the most crowded skies and airports in a decade and a half, with over 52,000 flights on a single peak day and more than 360,000 flights across the week. Discover how this surge could impact your journey and hotel stays, and get practical tips for a smoother trip.

Get Ready: Thanksgiving 2025 Set to Break Travel Records

If you’ve ever felt lost in a sea of suitcases over Thanksgiving, buckle up: 2025 is set to be the busiest travel season in 15 years. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is predicting over 52,000 flights on Tuesday, November 25th alone, and more than 360,000 flights during the week. Whether you love the energy of bustling airports or you’re dreading the crowds, here’s what this surge could mean for you.

Why This Year Feels Different

FAA is Ready: Airlines and airports are stepping up with new strategies to keep things running smoothly and safely, aiming to make your journey as comfortable as possible.
Money Flows In: More travelers mean a big boost for airlines, hotels, and local businesses, which is welcome news for anyone in the hospitality industry.

But Here’s What to Watch Out For...

Packed Airports: With all those extra flights, expect longer lines at check-in, security, and boarding. Patience is your new travel buddy this year.
Weather Curveballs: Areas like New York and Chicago might see rain, which can tangle up schedules even more and add delays.

Smart Traveler Tips

Arrive at least two hours early for domestic flights (three for international).
Check your flight status and the weather forecast before you leave home.
Keep travel apps handy to get real-time updates.

If you’re flying, expect more company on the journey—and maybe some extra excitement (or chaos) at baggage claim.

What Hotels & Hospitality Can Expect

Fuller Hotels: More travelers mean higher room occupancy, which is great for the business side of things.
Pressure on Service: With more guests, hotels will need to work extra hard to keep everyone happy—and keep up with the flood of online bookings and questions.

Looking Forward

If this travel trend keeps growing, the future may bring even bigger crowds and more changes in how airlines and hotels operate over the holidays. For now, a little planning and patience can go a long way in making your Thanksgiving adventure a smooth one.

Curious about this year’s travel stats? See the FAA’s announcement. For smart travel advice, check out coverage from TIME and Axios.