Record-Breaking Thanksgiving Travel Expected Across US
Millions of Americans are set to travel for Thanksgiving, with nearly 73 million by car and 31 million by air, marking the busiest travel season in 15 years.
Overview
- Nearly 73 million Americans are expected to travel by car this Thanksgiving, making up almost 90% of all holiday travelers, indicating a significant reliance on road transportation.
- Approximately 18 million passengers are projected to go through TSA checkpoints, contributing to what is anticipated to be the busiest travel season in 15 years.
- This year has already seen eight of the busiest days in TSA history, with the Sunday after Thanksgiving forecast to be another record-setting travel day.
- U.S. airlines are preparing to fly a record 31 million passengers, demonstrating the substantial increase in air travel demand for the holiday period.
- The Federal Aviation Administration is actively preparing for over 360,000 flights to manage the unprecedented volume of air traffic during this peak Thanksgiving travel season.
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Analysis
Center-leaning sources cover this story neutrally by focusing on practical advice and factual information for travelers. They present data on expected travel volumes and offer actionable tips without injecting political commentary or excessive alarmism. The emphasis is on preparedness and empowering individuals to navigate the busy holiday period effectively.
"The expectations for robust – and possibly record-breaking – travel follow disruptions in air travel nationwide during the longest government shutdown in U.S. history."
CBS News"Travel forecasts point to packed airports and roads."
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FAQ
Newark, Chicago-O'Hare, Miami, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Seattle are expected to have the longest TSA wait times during Thanksgiving 2025 due to the record-breaking surge in travelers.
TSA recommends arriving at least two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international flights to account for increased security wait times and holiday crowds.
The Federal Aviation Administration expects over 360,000 flights to operate during the Thanksgiving travel period to accommodate the record number of travelers.
Travelers are advised to arrive early, pack smart, use TSA PreCheck or CLEAR, check security wait times online, and avoid packing prohibited items to minimize delays at airport security.
Travelers should be aware of updated ID requirements, such as RealID, and new restrictions on what can be packed in checked and carry-on bags, as TSA has changed some rules since last Thanksgiving.
History
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