Thanksgiving Travel Tips for 2025

Thanksgiving travel is notorious for big crowds, high costs, and a dash of chaos. In fact, AAA projects nearly 80 million Americans will travel for Thanksgiving this year, surpassing pre-pandemic records. The TSA expects to screen 18+ million passengers during Thanksgiving week alone. If it feels like everyone and their cousin is in the airport security line, you’re not far off.

But take heart: whether you’re flying home to family or jetting off to escape the holiday madness, a little planning (and a sense of humor) go a long way. This warm, wry guide will help you navigate Thanksgiving flights, holiday road trips, and even airport parking tips with less stress and more cheer. Let’s make your Thanksgiving 2025 travel experience as smooth as pumpkin pie.

1. Keep Your Holiday Travel Plans Simple and Flexible

It’s tempting to cram every possible activity into your Thanksgiving trip. After all, you’ve traveled all that way. Shouldn’t you maximize the fun? Reality check: Thanksgiving isn’t the best time for jam-packed itineraries. Many attractions and restaurants will be closed on the holiday, and those that stay open will likely be overrun with fellow travelers. Instead of planning a tight schedule, give yourself permission to slow down and go with the flow.

• Don’t overbook your days: If Thursday’s schedule only involves eating turkey and napping on the couch, that’s perfectly fine. Embrace the art of doing nothing with family or enjoy a quiet escape. This isn’t the week to conquer a new ski slope or check five museums off your list. By keeping plans laid-back, you leave less room for disappointment (and more room for pie).
• Expect the unexpected: Holiday gatherings can be delightfully unpredictable. The turkey might burn or a surprise snowstorm might roll in. Build in some buffer time. If a planned activity doesn’t work out, have a backup (or be content staying in with a movie). Flexible plans = fewer headaches.

Remember, the real goal is to enjoy the holiday, whether that means quality time with loved ones or blissful solitude away from it all. As author Fredrik Backman might wryly note, sometimes the best holiday memories come from the unplanned moments of doing absolutely nothing together.

2. Plan Ahead and Book Early (Flights, Hotels, Everything)

For a stress-free trip, channel that planner in you and start early. Prices tend to skyrocket and availability plummets as Thanksgiving approaches. Here’s how to stay ahead:

• Book Thanksgiving flights ASAP: Airfare for Thanksgiving week is in high demand, so earlier is better. A 2024 Google Flights report found the cheapest time to book Thanksgiving airfare was early October. Waiting too long can mean paying more or getting stuck with crazy layovers. If you can book in late summer or early fall, do it!
• Take advantage of mid-week deals: If you haven’t booked by early fall, keep an eye out for fare sales in September and early October. Some years, airlines offer deals for Black Friday or “Travel Tuesday” in late November, but counting on those for Thanksgiving travel is risky. Earlier is safer for getting less expensive holiday flights.
• Reserve hotels and rentals in advance: Hotels near popular Thanksgiving destinations (or along major highway routes) can fill up fast. The same goes for rental cars. If your Thanksgiving trip involves a hotel or car rental, secure those as soon as your dates are set. Many hotels allow free cancellation, so it’s worth locking in a rate early and you can adjust if needed.
• Don’t forget dinner reservations: Visiting family or friends usually means a home-cooked feast, but if you plan to dine out on Thanksgiving or the days around it, make reservations well ahead. Holiday meals at restaurants (or even takeout orders for turkey dinner) often need booking weeks in advance.

Finally, set fare alerts on travel sites or airline apps if you’re still shopping for flights. This way you’ll know if prices drop. Finding a cheap last-minute Thanksgiving flight is possible, but don’t bank on it. When in doubt, book early and breathe easier.

3. Be Smart About Travel Dates (Consider Off-Peak Days)

We’re all creatures of habit. Thanksgiving dinner is always on Thursday, so everyone travels on Wednesday and returns Sunday, right? It doesn’t have to be that way. If you can be a little flexible with dates, you can beat the crowds and save a bundle. Talk with your family or travel companions about celebrating on alternative days. An “unorthodox” schedule might just become your secret weapon.

• Fly earlier or later: The busiest (and priciest) travel days are the Wednesday before and Sunday after Thanksgiving. If you can fly out Monday or Tuesday instead of Wednesday, or come back on Monday after the holiday instead of Sunday, you’ll dodge the worst crowds. According to Expedia data, flights on the Monday before Thanksgiving can be about 12% cheaper than those on Wednesday. And Thanksgiving Day itself (Thursday) often has lighter travel traffic. Yes, you might miss the morning parade on TV, but you could breeze through a quieter airport.
• Extend the trip (or shorten it): Consider making Thanksgiving a longer vacation that starts the weekend before, or a shorter one that ends on Saturday. For example, a typical four-day Thanksgiving round-trip from LAX to JFK might cost over $300, but shifting to the following week can drop the price by more than half. If your loved ones are game to celebrate on a different day (or you’re just vacationing solo), it can pay off big.
• Drive during off-peak hours: If you’re driving instead of flying, apply the same logic. Wednesday afternoon is notorious for traffic jams on highways (picture brake lights for miles). Transportation analysts warn that Tuesday and Wednesday late afternoon are the worst times to drive. Aim to leave early in the morning or later at night on those days. Better yet, if you can drive on Thanksgiving Day itself, you’ll find the roads much emptier as everyone else is already carving turkey. For the return trip, try to head back early Sunday (before the afternoon rush) or wait until Monday. It might feel strange to travel on the holiday, but your future self will thank you when you cruise down an open highway.
• Coordinate with family: If you’re adjusting dates, make sure everyone’s on board. It helps to show the concrete benefits: “If we all fly on Tuesday instead of Wednesday, we each save $200 and that’s $1,000+ total. Maybe we can put that toward a nicer Christmas get-together or a fun outing!” Money talks, and a flexible family could turn Thanksgiving into a less frantic, more affordable affair.

In short, zig when others zag. The more you can avoid the peak travel windows, the smoother (and cheaper) your journey will be. Even if you can’t move the main event, shifting a little (like taking a crack-of-dawn flight or a red-eye) might spare you some holiday travel insanity.

4. Prepare for Weather Related Delays

Holiday travel comes with a triple-whammy: packed roads, unpredictable weather, and potential delays. It’s not all within your control, but you can prepare and pad your schedule to avoid undue stress.

• Watch the weather forecast: Late November can bring anything from autumn rain to early snowstorms. A sudden winter blast can snarl both air and road travel. Keep an eye on your route’s weather a week out and especially 1-2 days before. If a storm threatens, try to adjust plans. Maybe leave a day early or route through a different connecting city if flying. For drivers: ensure your car is winter-ready (check tire pressure, antifreeze, wipers). If you’re driving through regions prone to snow or ice, pack emergency items like a blanket, flashlight, some snacks and water, and a small shovel. Hopefully you won’t need them, but if you do, you’ll be grateful.
• Anticipate flight delays: Even without bad weather, the sheer volume of flights during Thanksgiving can lead to backups. In recent years, about 1 in 5 flights during holiday periods have been delayed, the highest rate in a decade. Airlines are better about avoiding outright cancellations now (only ~1.6% of flights were canceled last year), but delays are common. Plan connections with plenty of layover time. If possible, opt for morning flights, which are statistically less prone to delays. By evening, delays tend to cascade as schedules slip.
• Stay informed: Use apps or sign up for text alerts from your airline for real-time updates on delays or gate changes. Follow your airport’s Twitter or X account for updates on security wait times or parking status. If a big weather event is brewing, airlines often issue travel waivers allowing free flight changes. Take advantage early to reschedule your trip around the storm.

The motto here is “hope for the best, prepare for the worst.” Pack your patience (maybe even literally pack a stress ball or download a meditation app!). If you budget extra time and nothing goes wrong, that’s a bonus as you can relax, grab a bite, or simply revel in being on schedule. 

5. How to Pack for Thanksgiving Travel (Pack Light & Pack Smart)

Packing for a Thanksgiving trip can be tricky. You might be bringing bulky winter clothes, maybe even some home-cooked goodies or family gifts. And if you’re flying, the TSA’s rules don’t take a holiday break. Here’s how to pack efficiently and stay TSA-compliant (even with a pumpkin pie in tow):

• Opt for carry-on only if you can: With millions flying for Thanksgiving, skipping checked baggage can save you huge time and stress. You’ll avoid the bag check lines on departure and the crowded baggage carousel on arrival (not to mention the risk of lost luggage). Challenge yourself to pare down to a carry-on and a personal item. It’s doable! Wear your bulkiest shoes and coat on the plane. Roll your clothes tightly to save space, and use every inch of your suitcase (tuck socks or charging cables inside shoes, for example). Need a refresher on space-saving hacks? Pack items like a savvy minimalist:
• Wear your heavier clothing (boots, jackets) instead of packing them.

·       Roll or bundle-wrap clothes rather than folding to optimize space.

·       Use travel-size toiletries and remember the 3-1-1 rule for liquids in carry-on (3.4 ounce containers or less, in one quart-size bag).

·       Fill dead space: socks, underwear, or small items can go inside shoes or corners of your bag.

·       Treat your “personal item” as an extra bag. A lightweight backpack or large tote can hold a lot and still fit under the seat. Most airlines allow one carry-on plus a personal item. Take advantage of both.

If you do need to check bags (maybe you have gifts or you’re bringing back lots of leftovers!), try to ship items ahead to your destination or back home. Sometimes mailing a box of gifts or clothes is cheaper and easier than paying for an extra checked bag, and it avoids the hassle of hauling it through the airport.

·       Know the TSA food rules: Thanksgiving often involves transporting food - maybe Aunt Edna tasked you with bringing her favorite stuffing, or you can’t imagine Thanksgiving without your homemade cranberry sauce. The TSA has a simple rule for what foods can fly in carry-on luggage: If it’s a solid item, it can go through the checkpoint. If you can spill it, spread it, spray it, pump it or pour it and it’s over 3.4 ounces, pack it in checked luggage. In other words, solid foods = okay in carry-on; liquids or gels = not okay (unless in tiny quantities).

You can carry on Thanksgiving foods like baked goods, meats (yes, you can actually bring a cooked or frozen turkey!), stuffing, casseroles, mac ‘n cheese, fresh veggies and fruits, candy, and spices. These are all solid and pose no security issue (though they might prompt extra screening, so pack them accessibly).

You must check items like cranberry sauce, gravy, wine or sparkling cider, preserves and jams, or any large containers of liquids/gel. That delicious homemade gravy may be the nectar of the gods, but if it’s in a jar larger than 3.4 oz, it can’t go in your carry-on.

TSA pro-tip: If you’re not sure about a specific item, use the TSA’s “What Can I Bring?” feature in the myTSA app. Simply type in the item (e.g., “stuffing” or “casserole” or “pumpkin pie”), and it will tell you if it’s OK for carry-on, checked, either or neither. The TSA is also responsive on social media (@AskTSA on X/Twitter and Facebook). It’s better to ask ahead than to have your famous cranberry-orange relish confiscated at the checkpoint.

• Pack gifts wisely: Thanksgiving isn’t a big gift-giving holiday, but some families start exchanging holiday gifts if they won’t be together in December. If you bring gifts, do not wrap them before flying. Wrapped gifts might have to be unwrapped by TSA for inspection. Instead, pack wrapping paper or gift bags and assemble them at your destination. Alternatively, ship gifts directly to the recipient or buy online and send to where you’ll be celebrating.
• Carry-on essentials: With the possibility of delays, make sure your personal item has the important stuff: medications (always carry on meds, never check them), a change of underwear or basic clothing, toothbrush and toiletries (in case you get stranded somewhere overnight), chargers for your devices, and any must-haves like eyeglasses or important documents.

In short, pack light, pack smart, and pack with the TSA rules in mind. You’ll glide through security faster and have less to worry about. Plus, when it’s time to head home, you’ll have space for those Thanksgiving leftovers (turkey sandwich on the plane, anyone?)  just remember to check the cranberry sauce!

6. Leverage Technology for Smoother Holiday Travel

Your smartphone can be your best travel buddy during the Thanksgiving rush. Beyond taking photos of the family reunion or your beach getaway, use it to simplify your journey:

• Airline apps are a must: Download your airline’s app well before your trip. These apps let you check in online (crucial during busy travel days), download your mobile boarding pass, and get real-time updates on flight status. If a flight is delayed or gates change, the app will usually buzz you before any public announcements.
• Navigate the road with maps and traffic apps: Driving to Grandma’s or from the airport? Use apps like Google Maps, Apple Maps, or Waze to monitor real-time traffic. They can alert you to accidents, road closures, or crazy congestion and suggest alternate routes. (Thanksgiving tip: sometimes the “scenic route” off the interstate can save you from a multi-hour traffic jam.) These apps also help locate the nearest gas stations or EV charging stations, and some even show gas prices so you can find a cheaper fill-up.
• Airport-specific apps and info: Some major airports have their own apps or mobile websites that show security wait times, parking garage availability, or even airport maps to find amenities. For example, LAX provides real-time parking and traffic updates on social feeds. Check if your departure or connection airport has a tech tool to help you navigate.
• Stay organized: Consider using a travel itinerary app (TripIt, Google Trips, etc.) to keep all your confirmation numbers, flight times, and hotel addresses in one place. If you’re traveling with family or a group, everyone can sync up on the details. It’s easier to share “my flight got in early, landing at Terminal B” via an app or group chat than trying to call Uncle Bob who is circling the airport pickup loop.
• Download entertainment ahead of time: This might not streamline your travel, but it sure helps the time fly by (pun intended). Before you leave, download some movies, shows, podcasts, or eBookstup on your devices. If you end up stuck in a long line or layover, you’ll have something to keep you (and maybe impatient kids) occupied.
• Use technology for parking and rental cars: If you’re driving to the airport, many airports and parking providers have apps or online reservation systems (more on that later). For example, you can use The Parking Spot’s app to reserve a parking spot, track the airport shuttle in real time, and even access discounts. No more circling the parking lot wondering if you’ll make your flight as the app helps you plan ahead and saves you precious minutes.

In essence, don’t be shy about using every digital tool at your disposal. It’s like having a personal assistant for your trip, right in your pocket.

7. Plan Your Ground Transportation at Your Destination

Once you’ve actually arrived (hooray!), how will you get around at your Thanksgiving destination? During the holidays, rental cars can be expensive or sold out, and family schedules are hectic. A bit of foresight here can save frustration later:

Reserve rental cars early or explore alternatives: Just like flights, rental cars experience a Thanksgiving crunch. If you need a rental, book it when you book your flight (or even earlier). Rates only climb as inventory shrinks. If you find the prices outrageous or you’re under age 25 (and facing young driver fees), consider car-sharing services as an alternative.

• Coordinate with family for wheels: If you’re going home for the holiday, discuss transportation with your family or friends beforehand. Will someone be able to pick you up at the airport? Can you borrow a family car while you’re in town?.
• Rideshare and taxis: In many cities, Uber/Lyft or local taxis are readily available, but remember, high demand can mean longer waits or higher surge pricing, especially right after big holiday events (post-dinner or post-football game times, for example). If you’ll rely on rideshares, consider scheduling rides in advance when possible (some apps allow this). And be patient; drivers often have their own holiday plans, so availability might dip at certain hours.
• Public transit holiday schedules: If you’re visiting a city and plan to use subways, buses, or trains, check the holiday schedule. Many transit systems run on a Sunday/holiday schedule on Thanksgiving Day (which could mean reduced service). On the flip side, some add extra service the day before or after to handle the rush. Plan around it so you’re not left out in the cold waiting for a bus that isn’t coming.

No matter which mode you choose, having a transportation game plan for your destination ensures you won’t be stuck on the couch when you’d rather be out seeing friends or taking advantage of the long weekend. It can also save you money: locking in a decent rental rate or finding a car share avoids the steep last-minute prices.

Final Thoughts: Arrive Happy and Enjoy the Holiday

Yes, Thanksgiving travel can be chaotic, but with the right mindset and these tips in your toolkit, you’ve got this. To recap the highlights: plan ahead, pack smart, avoid the peak rush if you can, use technology to your advantage, and give yourself plenty of time. A little flexibility and humor will carry you through the rest. Instead of joining the chorus of travel complainers, you’ll be the savvy traveler who navigated the crowds like a pro and still managed to smile.

And remember why you’re doing this in the first place: to share a meal with loved ones, or to treat yourself to a much-needed break. Keep that goal in focus whenever the journey gets bumpy. When you finally sink into that familiar couch at Grandma’s house or step onto that peaceful beach, every traffic jam and security line will have been worth it.

Before we go, one more way to make your trip easier (shameless plug alert, but you’ll thank us!): Don’t let airport parking woes drag you down. If you’re flying out, consider The Parking Spot for a hassle-free parking experience. With 38 locations at 22 major airports nationwide, The Parking Spot offers convenient, well-lit lots and a friendly shuttle to get you to your terminal quickly. You can reserve your spot in advance for peace of mind, and even earn points via the Spot Club loyalty program for free parking later. We’ll take good care of your car while you’re away (yes, we can even give it a car wash or detailing so it’s fresh when you return). The goal is to make the start and end of your trip as smooth as the middle.

Safe travels and Happy Thanksgiving! Wherever you’re headed, we hope your journey is smooth, your turkey is juicy, and your holiday is filled with warmth. And if The Parking Spot can play a small part in getting you there with less stress, well, that’s something we’re very thankful for.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: What’s the busiest travel day for Thanksgiving?
A: Historically, the Wednesday before Thanksgiving and the Sunday after are the most congested days for air travel. In 2024, for example, TSA expected to screen about 2.9 million people on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving and over 3 million on the Sunday after. Those two days tend to see the highest crowds at airports (and the highest airfares). If you’re driving, Wednesday afternoon/evening is typically the worst on the roads. Many travelers head out right after work on Wednesday, leading to traffic jams. So, the bottom line: Wednesday and Sunday are the peak crunch days. If you can avoid flying or driving on those days, do it so you’ll encounter fewer lines and less gridlock.

Q: What is the best day to fly for Thanksgiving to avoid crowds?
A: If your schedule allows, Thanksgiving Day itself (Thursday) is often a great day to fly with minimal crowds. Most people want to be at their destination by Thursday, so airports on Thanksgiving morning can be relatively quiet (and airfares can be cheaper that day too). Additionally, the Monday or Tuesday before Thanksgiving tend to be less busy than Wednesday. In 2023, flights on Monday were about 12% cheaper than those on Wednesday, indicating lighter demand. So, flying out Monday or Tuesday (or even on Turkey Day) can save you some stress and money. For the return trip, many travelers find that Friday or Monday after Thanksgiving are calmer travel days compared to the very busy Sunday.

Q: How early should I arrive at the airport for Thanksgiving travel?
A: Plan to arrive earlier than you normally would. The standard recommendation is at least 2 hours before a domestic flight and 3 hours before an international flight during normal times. For the Thanksgiving rush, leaning toward 2.5 hours for domestic isn’t overkill, especially if you have bags to check or anticipate long security lines. Airports and the TSA advise not cutting it close - with record passenger volumes in recent years, lines can be unpredictably long.

Q: When is the best time to book Thanksgiving flights to get a good deal?
A: The consensus among travel experts is to book Thanksgiving airfare well in advance, ideally by late summer or very early fall. A study from Google Flights found that the cheapest period for Thanksgiving tickets was around early October (about 4-8 weeks out). After mid-October, prices tended to climb sharply. Some sources suggest roughly 35 days before Thanksgiving as a sweet spot for prices on domestic routes. However, waiting that long can be a gamble if flights are filling up. For peace of mind, many travelers book in July or August for Thanksgiving, especially for busy routes or international travel. The key is to start monitoring prices early  if you see a decent fare a few months out, snag it. Last-minute deals for Thanksgiving are rare due to high demand. In short, the earlier, the better, and try to have your flights booked by early October at the latest for the best odds of a good price.

Q: Can I bring stuffing (or other Thanksgiving food) on a plane?
A: Yes, you can bring stuffing on a plane in your carry-on luggage. In fact, most solid Thanksgiving foods are allowed through TSA checkpoints. Cooked or uncooked stuffing, whether in a box or tupperware, is perfectly fine to carry on. You can also bring items like turkey (even a whole cooked or frozen turkey!), ham, baked goods like pies and cookies, casseroles, and vegetables in your carry-on. The TSA’s rule is that solid foods can go in carry-on, but liquids or spreadable/gels over 3.4 ounces cannot.