Navigating Thanksgiving Travel: Tips for a Smooth Journey

Sun Nov 30 2025 23:03:42 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

With the holiday season approaching, experts provide essential advice for travelers facing winter weather and crowded airports during Thanksgiving week.

As Thanksgiving approaches, travelers are reminded to prepare for the potential challenges of winter weather and busy airports. Experts recommend proactive measures to ease travel stress, such as checking the weather often, having alternate travel plans, and packing wisely to navigate security checks. With over 360,000 flights expected in the busiest Thanksgiving week in 15 years, preparation is key for a smooth journey.

The turbulence caused by the longest government shutdown on record may still linger in travelers' minds this Thanksgiving, but experts emphasize that preparation for the usual holiday travel bottlenecks can significantly alleviate anxiety.

Sheldon H. Jacobson, an airport and airlines operations expert, states, The airlines understand the demands of this season. The real challenge is ensuring travelers can effectively manage their experience. Here’s a guide to navigating one of the busiest travel weeks of the year:

How busy could it be?

Travel forecasts predict crowded airports and busy roads during the holiday week. Following the lifting of unprecedented flight restrictions, the Federal Aviation Administration anticipates its busiest Thanksgiving in 15 years, with over 360,000 flights scheduled, translating to more than 17.8 million travelers screened by the TSA.

AAA forecasts an increase of 1.3 million travelers on roads compared to the previous year, pushing the number of car travelers to at least 73 million.

Winter weather

Weather conditions can drastically affect travel plans. If a winter storm cancels flights or delays travel, knowing your options can help mitigate stress. Experts recommend checking forecasts regularly.

James Belanger from the Weather Company stresses that having a contingency plan is essential. The Weather Channel provides a Thanksgiving weekly forecast, highlighting possible weather disruptions at major airports and highways.

What to pack (and what to skip)

Jacobson advises travelers to begin their packing process by first checking all pockets for TSA-restricted items, as this can expedite security checks. Wrapping gifts at your destination is advisable as TSA may need to inspect them.

Moreover, packing should be influenced by the 'feels like' temperature. Travelers must ensure they have proper identification, including a REAL ID or other accepted forms, to avoid delays.

Road trip ready

For those driving, AAA’s Aixa Diaz suggests checking vehicle readiness—such as tires and battery—and hitting the road early to avoid traffic congestion. AAA reports responding to nearly 600,000 emergency calls during last year's Thanksgiving period.

According to Google Maps analysis:

Traffic on Wednesday is expected to increase by 14% from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., peaking between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.
On Thanksgiving, the roads will be busiest between noon and 3 p.m.
For the return journey, avoid driving from 12 to 3 p.m. on the following Saturday and Sunday when traffic is heaviest.

The best passenger

Jacobson emphasizes, An informed passenger is the best passenger. Downloading the airline’s app to monitor flight statuses can help travelers react swiftly to cancellations. Regardless of whether driving or flying, early departures can reduce stress, offering peace of mind for families or those requiring extra assistance.

These simple but important strategies can greatly impact traveling experiences, Jacobson concluded.