LOS ANGELES, California, October 30, 2026 — As Thanksgiving approaches, there is a large number of people who will be traveling by air throughout the United States. Many airlines and airports are gearing up for what is expected to be one of the busiest times of the year for air travel. The holiday will occur on Thursday, Nov. 26th and the majority of travelers will be in motion from Nov. 24th to Nov. 30th. According to industry projections, this year could see some of the highest passenger counts since the start of the holiday season.
A Record-Setting Travel Window Expected
The previous year’s Thanksgiving period established a new all-time high for travel as reported by AAA, with 81.8 million people traveling in total. This represented an increase of 1.6 million individuals over the prior year. Early indications indicate that 2026 demand continues to be comparable to this year’s demand, even several months prior to the holiday. The majority of travelers (approximately four out of five) will likely drive to their destinations instead of flying.
Air travel remains a large percentage of holiday moves and many people will go through TSA check points at airports. That Sunday after Thanksgiving has always been the most crowded airport day of the week in every one of the last five years. That Sunday in 2025 broke the previous all-time high for passenger volume in TSA history.
Which Days to Expect the Heaviest Crowds
The historical trend suggests that Thanksgiving Day will likely be the least congested day of the week to travel, as many individuals will have reached their destination. On Tuesday and Wednesday prior to the holiday, these two days are generally considered the most heavily traveled days of the year for departing flights. According to Airlines for America, there have been some instances of daily flight volumes exceeding 3 million passengers during peak travel periods in the last few years.
Travel industry professionals suggest making your flight reservations and getting to the airport early due to the large number of travelers who will be flying this year. In order to minimize waiting time while going through security checkpoints, try to check your bags and get your boarding pass prior to arriving at the security line. TSA data indicates that security screening volumes have increased on the Sunday after Thanksgiving each year for at least the last few years.
Weather Remains a Wildcard
The Department of Transportation has consistently stated that weather is the most critical factor influencing how reliable Thanksgiving travel will be. Prior to the Thanksgiving holiday, the FAA collaborates with airlines to prepare for possible severe weather events. When there are even small delays caused by weather, it can cause a series of delays throughout the entire U.S. air travel system during times when demand is at its highest.
The airline industry is responding to a growing number of people traveling by air by providing more seats per day than in past years. This increased seat availability will help provide a buffer against an influx of passengers, but it won’t help prevent disruptions from other factors such as weather. In addition, if a traveler has to fly through a large hub airport, he/she may experience delays that began at another point within the network.
Tips for a Smoother Trip
Travel advisors advise that you avoid driving your car between 11 AM and 1 PM (on Saturday and Sunday) after Thanksgiving because that is when highways will be busiest. Air travelers should allow for more time at the airport to avoid long lines at security checkpoints on peak travel days. Frequent travelers may also want to consider signing up for TSA PreCheck or another program that allows for expedited security processing to significantly lower the amount of time spent waiting in line.
The travel industry has been preparing for an influx of passengers during this upcoming holiday week, as airlines and airports have both increased their staff levels to accommodate the expected spike in traffic. Those passengers who have made plans in advance, stay informed of current weather forecasts, and create some extra “buffer” time will be most successful at navigating the extremely busy Thanksgiving travel season ahead.
Airport parking areas and rental vehicle counters will experience higher volume during the busiest travel times. Those individuals who plan to drive their personal vehicles to the airport should make reservations for parking prior to their trip because many of the largest airports will have full parking lots during the highest volume days. Additionally, rideshare and shuttle services will most likely have longer wait times during the peak arrival and departure periods.
The addition of time to each stage of your family’s travel plans will provide a less stressful experience for both adults and young/old members of your family who are traveling together. It is always recommended by airlines to check on the status of your flights the evening prior to leaving and the morning of your departure. This is due to the potential for schedule adjustments made with minimal warning during busy times of the year. While the volume of travelers expected during the Thanksgiving holiday season is large, there is still the opportunity for most families to have a relatively manageable travel experience with some advance planning.
