Thanksgiving 2025: Best and worst times to travel for the holiday
The article discusses the expected travel conditions for Thanksgiving 2025, which is forecasted to be the busiest holiday travel period ever. Nearly 82 million people are projected to travel at least 50 miles from home between November 25 and December 1, an increase from 80 million in 2024. Air travel is expected to increase slightly, with about 6 million travelers flying domestically during the week. The busiest flying days are typically the Wednesday before Thanksgiving and the Sunday after,while Thanksgiving Day itself is usually less crowded. Major airports like Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago O’Hare, Dallas-Fort Worth, and Denver will see high traffic.
Driving remains the primary mode of travel, with over 73 million people expected to travel by car, accounting for about 90% of holiday trips. The busiest driving days are November 25, 26, and 30. Drivers are advised to travel early in the day to avoid congestion and to avoid afternoon travel if possible. Gas prices are stable compared to last year, averaging around $3.10 per gallon, and car rentals will be about 15% cheaper than last year, with November 26 projected as the peak rental day.
Additionally, travelers should be prepared for potential disruptions from a major cross-country storm moving from Southern California to the East Coast throughout the holiday week.This storm could bring heavy rain,flooding,and severe weather,especially in the Southern Plains and Mississippi Valley regions. The National Weather Service advises travelers to monitor weather forecasts and plan accordingly to avoid complications during peak travel times.
Thanksgiving 2025: Best and worst times to travel for the holiday
With holiday travel plans in full swing, this Thanksgiving season is expected to be the busiest ever.
Nearly 82 million people are projected to travel at least 50 miles from their homes over the seven-day holiday period from Nov. 25 to Dec. 1, according to the American Automobile Association. Up from over 80 million travelers in 2024, this year’s forecast is setting a new record. In other words, travelers are advised to plan accordingly.
Whether you are flying or driving, here are the best and worst times to travel for Thanksgiving.
Flying by air
AAA expects about 6 million travelers to take domestic flights over Thanksgiving week, marking a 2% increase from last year.
OPINION: SOME HOLIDAY SEASON ADVICE ON AIRLINE REFUNDS
The busiest days for flights are typically the Wednesday before Thanksgiving for departures and the Sunday after Thanksgiving for return flights. The least crowded day to fly is generally Thanksgiving Day, as most travelers have already reached their destinations by then.
American Airlines expects its busiest day to be Sunday, Nov. 30. United Airlines anticipates the same date to be its most crowded, as well as the day before and after.
While air travel is busier this year than 2024, flight bookings are down 3.3% between Nov. 26 and Nov. 30 in large part due to the historic government shutdown that recently ended. Afterwards, the Federal Aviation Administration lifted all restrictions on commercial flights sooner than some expected.
Travelers should also take into account that among the airports to receive the most traffic in the next week are Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta, Charlotte Douglas, Chicago O’Hare, Dallas-Fort Worth, and Denver International.
Driving by car
Driving is the primary mode of transportation for Thanksgiving week. AAA says over 73 million people will travel by car, accounting for nearly 90% of all holiday travel.
The busiest days to drive for Thanksgiving are Nov. 25 and Nov. 26 due to traffic congestion in the afternoon and Nov. 30 for when people need to return home.
For driving before Thanksgiving, INRIX advises people to hit the road before 12 p.m. on Nov. 25 and before 11 a.m. on Nov. 26. Thanksgiving itself, which falls on Nov. 27, won’t see as much traffic as expected. On the trip home, the best travel times for driving are before 11 a.m. on Nov. 28, before 10 a.m. on Nov. 29, before 11 a.m. on Nov. 30, and after 8 p.m. on Dec. 1.
Drivers should avoid driving in the afternoon for the weeklong holiday period if possible, per INRIX.
As for whether long-distance driving will take a toll on one’s wallet, gasoline prices are staying roughly the same compared to last year. The national average cost for a gallon of gas is around $3.10, four cents above the 2024 average on Thanksgiving.
Also, car rentals will be 15% cheaper this Thanksgiving compared to the holiday last year. Hertz says the busiest day to rent cars will be Nov. 26, the day before Thanksgiving.
Likelihood of cross-country storm disrupting travel
Depending on their location, travelers would be wise to keep in mind that a major cross-country storm will likely disrupt travel plans in the days leading up to Thanksgiving.
The storm landed in Southern California on Friday, bringing heavy rainfall and flash flooding to that part of the state. It shifted next to Arizona by Saturday and the Southern Plains — a region that includes Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas — by Monday.
MELANIA TRUMP TO WELCOME WHITE HOUSE CHRISTMAS TREE AHEAD OF THANKSGIVING
The storm will then make its way toward the East Coast into Tuesday, heading north from South Texas through the Mississippi Valley. Severe weather may reach as far north as the Ohio Valley. As a result, travel in certain parts of the country will be impacted midweek when record traffic is expected.
The National Weather Service cautioned those with Thanksgiving travel plans to check the weather forecast before going anywhere and plan accordingly.
" Conservative News Daily does not always share or support the views and opinions expressed here; they are just those of the writer."
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
