Drawing key insights from Airlines for America (A4A) and the American Automobile Association (AAA), this guide is designed to help you plan smoother travels for the 2025 Thanksgiving season—with practical tips for both air and road trips amid high travel volumes and extreme weather.

Air Travel: All-Time High Volumes & Delays

A4A forecasts that air travel will hit an all-time high of 31 million passengers this holiday season, with the single-day peak on November 30 expected to reach 3.4 million travelers.

Per industry data, Spirit Airlines’ 40% cut to domestic capacity could worsen supply-demand gaps on popular routes.

Security wait times at major hubs like Boston Logan and Chicago O’Hare have previously topped 3 hours; travelers may help streamline their plans by allowing at least 2 hours for screenings on peak days.

Opting for major carriers with larger capacity may help lower the risk of travel disruptions.

Weather Risks: Superstorm Impacts Across States

The National Weather Service warns that a cross-country superstorm starting November 25 is the biggest wildcard for holiday travelers.

Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport has already seen dozens of flight cancellations and more than 200 delays due to thunderstorms.

Chicago and New York are bracing for a wintry mix, with more than 1,000 flights expected to be impacted.

Roads in North Dakota and Michigan could see snow accumulation, which suggests extra safety risks for all types of travel.

Road Trips: Beat Congestion With Off-Peak Timing

AAA data indicates that 90% of holiday travelers will hit the road, with 73.62 million vehicles expected on highways.

Routes like I-16 East (connecting Atlanta and Savannah) and the Long Island Expressway could see 5+ hours of congestion—160% more than usual.

The worst congestion is projected for noon to 9 p.m. on November 25 and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on November 26.

Traveling on Thanksgiving Day (November 27) or early on Friday (November 28) may help you avoid heavy traffic on major routes.