Trendpills
The 2025 Thanksgiving holiday is shaping up to be the busiest on record, with an estimated 81.8 million Americans planning to travel 50 miles or more from home. This figure represents a significant 1.6 million person increase over last year, signaling a robust return to pre-pandemic travel patterns. The vast majority of travelers will be driving, but airports are also bracing for a massive influx of passengers.
According to the annual Thanksgiving travel forecast from AAA, road travel will account for the bulk of the holiday rush. Drivers are advised to expect major congestion, especially on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving and the Sunday following it. Transportation analysts recommend avoiding peak hours, typically between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m., on these days. For those looking to avoid the worst traffic, Thanksgiving Day itself is predicted to be the lightest day for road travel.
Air travel is also expected to hit new highs. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is preparing for exceptionally long lines, with passenger volumes projected to surpass previous records. The Sunday after the holiday is anticipated to be one of the busiest days of the entire year for U.S. airports. Experts suggest booking flights for off-peak days, such as Monday or Tuesday of Thanksgiving week, or traveling on Thanksgiving Day itself for a less crowded experience, as detailed by travel analysts tracking flight data.
Adding a layer of uncertainty to travel plans, meteorologists are monitoring a potential storm system developing across the central United States. While the exact path and intensity are still being determined, the Thanksgiving week weather forecast indicates the storm could bring rain, wind, and possible snow to parts of the Plains and Midwest. This weather event could lead to significant flight delays and hazardous driving conditions. Travelers are urged to monitor forecasts closely and allow extra time to reach their destinations safely.
