by WASHINGTON, D.C. — With millions of Americans preparing to travel for the holiday, the Federal Aviation Administration is warning that Thanksgiving 2025 is shaping up to be the busiest in more than 15 years, with over 360,000 flights scheduled nationwide.
FAA Projects Record-Breaking Air Travel
The FAA says travel volume will peak on Tuesday, Nov. 25, when more than 52,000 flights will take off across the country — a level not seen since 2010.
“Thanks to the dedication of our air traffic controllers and every FAA employee, we are ready for the holiday rush,”
— FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford
According to the agency, demand for air travel has surged sharply post-pandemic, and this year’s Thanksgiving period is expected to test the system’s capacity more than any time in the past decade.
Holiday Travel by the Numbers
AAA estimates that 82 million Americans will hit the roads or skies from Nov. 25 through Dec. 1, as families gather ahead of the winter holidays.
Key FAA projections include:
- 360,000+ total flights during Thanksgiving week
- 52,000 flights on Nov. 25 alone
- Record demand across major hubs including Atlanta, Denver, Chicago, Dallas and Los Angeles
Bedford praised workers for keeping the system stable despite heavy traffic, noting their “unwavering commitment” to safety and efficiency during peak periods.
Weather Systems May Complicate Travel
While millions are set to move across the country, two storm systems could create delays for both air and road travelers:
First Storm: Southern Plains to Northeast
Beginning Monday, Nov. 24, the first storm may bring:
- Rain to the southern Plains,
- A track into the Southeast,
- And possible impacts to the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast by Tuesday.
This system could disrupt both air and highway travel in some of the nation’s most congested corridors.
Second Storm: Pacific Northwest
A separate system arriving the same day is expected to affect the Pacific Northwest with:
- Steady rainfall
- Colder temperatures
- Potential low-visibility conditions
Meanwhile, early outlooks suggest a drier Thanksgiving Day for the West, Northeast, Mid-Atlantic and parts of the Southeast — but the FAA cautions that forecasts may shift as the holiday approaches.
Tips for Travelers
The FAA is urging passengers to prepare for large crowds and possible delays.
“Pack your patience,” the agency says — especially for early-morning and late-afternoon flights.
Travelers are advised to:
- Arrive early to navigate TSA and baggage drop lines
- Monitor flight alerts frequently
- Check airport conditions before leaving home
- Anticipate weather-related disruptions on Monday and Tuesday
Airports such as Chicago O’Hare, Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson, Denver International, Dallas–Fort Worth and Los Angeles International are expected to see the heaviest congestion.
Why This Year Is So Busy
A combination of factors is driving the surge:
- Strong consumer demand for holiday travel
- Lower-than-usual airfare increases
- Expanded route offerings by major carriers
- A rising number of international travelers returning to U.S. airports
Read Also: Heading Out for Thanksgiving? Avoid These Peak Traffic Times
Industry analysts say this year’s rush is a sign that national travel patterns have fully stabilized post-pandemic — and may soon exceed 2019 levels.
What Travelers Can Expect Next Week
With record-breaking flights and uncertain weather patterns converging, transportation officials say this year’s Thanksgiving rush may bring challenges but urge travelers not to panic.
FAA leaders continue to emphasize operational readiness, pointing to investments in staffing, modernized radar systems and expanded airspace coordination.
For now, the agency says every available resource is being deployed to keep the holiday rush running smoothly.
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