As Thanksgiving approaches, travelers across the United States are gearing up for what is expected to be one of the busiest travel weeks in recent memory. While the recent historic government shutdown, the longest on record, caused significant disruptions in air travel—including widespread flight cancellations and delays—experts emphasize that those issues are now behind us. Instead, the focus should be on preparing for the typical challenges of holiday travel: winter weather, heavy traffic, and crowded airports.
Sheldon H. Jacobson, an expert in airport and airline operations, notes that airlines have a deep understanding of the Thanksgiving travel rush and know how to manage it effectively. “The shutdown at this point is history for air travel,” Jacobson said. “The airlines understand this time of year so well. They know exactly what they need to do. The real challenge is making sure travelers can help themselves.” This advice underscores the importance of personal preparedness to ease anxiety and navigate potential travel hurdles smoothly.
### Expected Travel Volume and Conditions
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is preparing for an exceptionally busy Thanksgiving period. In the week leading up to the holiday, more than 360,000 flights are scheduled across the country—the highest volume in 15 years. Correspondingly, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) expects to screen over 17.8 million travelers during this timeframe, an indication of the scale and density of holiday travel.
On the roads, travel is also expected to swell significantly. The American Automobile Association (AAA) projects that 1.3 million more people will take to the highways compared to last year, pushing the total number of motorists to at least 73 million over the Thanksgiving period. This surge means that travelers should anticipate heavy traffic, especially near major cities and popular vacation destinations.
### Weather: The Wild Card in Holiday Travel
One of the biggest uncertainties during Thanksgiving travel is the weather. Winter storms, snow, ice, and rain can cause delays and cancellations, whether flying or driving. While travelers cannot control the weather, experts stress that being prepared can make a significant difference in managing unexpected disruptions.
James Belanger, vice president of meteorology at The Weather Company, advises checking weather forecasts frequently as you plan and approach your trip. The Weather Channel provides a specialized Thanksgiving weekly forecast that highlights major airports and highways potentially affected by adverse weather conditions. This resource can help travelers anticipate and adapt to weather-related challenges.
For instance, on the FAA's busiest travel day—Tuesday, with over 52,000 flights scheduled—rain is forecasted to affect areas in the Pacific Northwest and much of the eastern United States. Key airports in Atlanta, Chicago, New York, Philadelphia, Seattle, and Washington, D.C., may experience weather-related disruptions. Travelers should monitor these forecasts closely and consider contingency plans such as driving instead of flying or postponing trips if conditions worsen.
### Practical Tips for Smoother Airport Experiences
Jacobson offers several practical suggestions to help travelers breeze through airport security and avoid unnecessary delays. One simple but effective tip is to start your packing process by unpacking any leftover items from previous trips. Checking every pocket for TSA-restricted items—such as full-sized liquids—can prevent hassles at security checkpoints, especially when airports are crowded.
If you are traveling with gifts, consider wrapping them only after you arrive at your destination. TSA agents may need to open presents to inspect them, so having unwrapped gifts can speed up security screening and prevent damage to wrapping.
Additionally, understanding the weather at your destination is crucial when packing clothing and footwear. Belanger recommends checking the “feels like” temperature, which accounts for wind chill and humidity, to better prepare for cold or damp conditions. This can help travelers dress appropriately and avoid discomfort during their trip.
### Identification Requirements and Technology Updates
Travelers flying within the U.S. must carry a REAL ID-compliant form of identification to board their flights, or alternatively, other accepted forms such as a passport or military ID. This requirement is now strictly enforced, and failure to present proper ID can result in denied boarding.
On the technology front, Apple iPhone users can now add their U.S. passport details to the Apple Wallet app. This digital passport can be scanned at participating airports, offering a convenient alternative to physical IDs for travelers without a REAL ID. Additionally, more than a dozen states accept some form of mobile ID at airport security checkpoints. Travelers are encouraged to check the TSA website for the latest information on accepted IDs and mobile ID options.
### Preparing