Thanksgiving Travel Tips: Navigating Crowds and Weather Challenges

Mon Nov 24 2025 16:07:46 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

As Thanksgiving approaches, travelers face challenges of crowded airports, potential winter weather, and heavy traffic. Experts offer essential tips to ease the journey this holiday season.

This Thanksgiving, travelers are preparing for a spike in air traffic with over 360,000 flights scheduled and an estimated 73 million travelers on the road. The Federal Aviation Administration anticipates its busiest week in 15 years, while the Weather Channel warns of possible winter storms affecting major airports. Experts suggest that being well-prepared, checking weather forecasts, and ensuring your travel documents are in order can help smooth the travel experience. Drivers are advised to check vehicle conditions and plan for heavy traffic times around Thanksgiving.

The turbulence caused by the longest government shutdown on record may still be fresh on travelers’ minds this Thanksgiving. However, experts advise that proper preparation for the holiday crush of winter weather, heavy traffic, and crowded airports can ease those anxieties.

I think the shutdown at this point is history for air travel. The airlines understand this time of year so well. They know exactly what they need to do, said Sheldon H. Jacobson, an airport and airline operations expert. The real challenge is making sure travelers can help themselves.

Here’s a guide to navigating the busiest travel week of the year:

How Busy Could it Be?

Travel forecasts indicate packed airports and roads. After lifting unprecedented flight restrictions due to the shutdown, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is preparing for its busiest Thanksgiving week in 15 years, with over 360,000 flights scheduled between Monday and next Tuesday, screening more than 17.8 million passengers. Meanwhile, AAA anticipates an additional 1.3 million travelers on the roads this year, pushing the total to at least 73 million.

Winter Weather

While the weather itself cannot be controlled, travelers can prepare for potential disruptions due to winter storms. Knowing alternatives, such as postponing trips or opting to drive in the event of delays, can greatly reduce stress. James Belanger, vice president of meteorology at the Weather Company, advises checking forecasts regularly. The Weather Channel provides a Thanksgiving weekly forecast highlighting potential weather issues impacting travel routes.

Tuesday is projected to be the FAA's busiest day, with more than 52,000 flights scheduled, and rain could create complications particularly in the Pacific Northwest and throughout much of the eastern U.S.

What to Pack (and What to Skip)

Jacobson recommends starting your packing process by unpacking, ensuring no TSA-restricted items remain in pockets. When traveling with gifts, wrapping them at the destination is advisable since TSA agents may need access. Additionally, checking the feels like temperature is crucial for packing appropriate clothing for colder climates.

Travelers must also be aware that a REAL ID is needed to fly domestically, or they will require an alternative form of identification, such as a passport. Furthermore, Apple iPhone users can now add U.S. passport details to their wallets for ease at checkpoints.

Road Trip Ready

If driving is a backup plan or primary option, AAA spokesperson Aixa Diaz suggests checking vehicle conditions—tires, battery, and fluids—before setting out with a full tank. Last Thanksgiving, AAA handled nearly 600,000 emergency roadside calls from stranded drivers. Traffic is expected to swell, particularly on Wednesday and Thanksgiving Day.

The Best Passenger

...is an informed passenger, Jacobson states. Downloading the airline's app for real-time flight status and planning to arrive earlier than necessary can alleviate travel-related stress, especially amidst lingering concerns from the shutdown or traveling with children.

These are simple yet important considerations to keep in mind, Jacobson concludes.