If you’re planning to fly this Thanksgiving, get ready, airports are about to get busy. According to Cirium, an aviation analytics company, Thanksgiving Sunday, November 30, will be the busiest travel day of the year, with more than 3.3 million seats scheduled to fly in the U.S. That’s nearly 60,000 more seats than last year, so expect long TSA lines and crowded terminals. And if the government is still shut down or there is a major storm, then you might as well stay home. Hoping neither of those happens, here’s how to make the most of your holiday travel:
1. Book Early, Especially for Thanksgiving Week
Cirium reports flight bookings for Thanksgiving are up 2.2% from last year. The busiest days are Wednesday, November 26, through Sunday, November 30. If you haven’t booked yet (what are you thinking about?!), now’s the time, popular could fill up fast. Here’s some advice.
2. Check Your Airline’s Schedule
Not every airline is adding extra seats. Southwest and American are increasing capacity this year, but Spirit, Avelo, and Sun Country are cutting flights. If you’re flying one of the smaller carriers, double-check your schedule and consider backup options.
3. Expect Prices to Stay Stable
After last year’s fare rollercoaster, domestic economy airfares are holding steady this holiday season. Budget carriers pulled back early, so you won’t see last-minute fare spikes, though prices are generally higher than 2024. Booking sooner rather than later can still save you money.
4. Explore Popular and Unexpected Destinations
If you’re thinking beyond the U.S., warm spots like Mexico and the Dominican Republic are in high demand. Europe is also seeing a surge, Italy and Ireland are up roughly 750 seats per day compared to last year. Domestically, Florida and Arizona are hot spots, while California and Nevada are slightly quieter.
5. Give Yourself Extra Time at the Airport
Even with smooth operations so far, Cirium notes that more travelers means busier terminals. Arrive early, pack smart, and plan for potential delays, especially on the peak travel day.
Thanksgiving travel can be hectic, but a little planning goes a long way. With early bookings, flexible travel options and not rushing, you can enjoy your holiday without spending it stuck in an airport.
