Holiday Week Travel: A Game Plan for the Busiest Days
The Sunday after Thanksgiving set an airport record last year. Seven moves for getting through the busiest travel days calmly.
On the Sunday after Thanksgiving in 2025, TSA screened more than 3.1 million people, the most in its history. This year, Thanksgiving is November 26, which puts the next big Sunday on November 29.
You cannot avoid the crowds entirely. But you can plan the travel day so the crowds cost you less time and stress. Here is how.
Key takeaways
- If your dates are flexible, avoid the Sunday after Thanksgiving. Fly back Monday or Tuesday instead.
- Book the first flight of the day when you can. Delays tend to build as the day goes on.
- Do not wrap gifts you carry on. Security may need to open them.
The seven moves
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Pick the quieter days. The Sunday after Thanksgiving has been the busiest day of the week at US airports for years. If you can fly back on Monday or Tuesday, you skip the worst of it. Thanksgiving Day itself is often lighter too.
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Take the first flight out. Morning flights tend to leave on time more often, because delays build up through the day as planes run late. An early flight also leaves you more options to rebook if something goes wrong. If the first flight is too early for you, aim for any departure before midday.
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Check in and load your boarding pass the night before. Use the airline app to check in, pick seats, and save your boarding pass to your phone. Turn on flight alerts so you hear about gate changes and delays right away.
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Bring a REAL ID or passport. Since May 7, 2025, TSA requires adults to show a REAL ID compliant license or another accepted ID, like a passport, to fly in the US. Check your license for the star in the top corner the week before you leave, not at the airport.
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Pack to get through security faster. The 3-1-1 rule for carry on liquids is still the national standard: containers of 3.4 ounces or less in one clear quart bag. Leave gifts unwrapped, use gift bags, or ship them ahead, since TSA may need to open wrapped gifts.
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Leave more time than you think. On the busiest days, every line is longer: parking, bag drop, security, and even coffee. Plan to arrive earlier than you normally would, and check your airport's security wait times before you leave home. Pack a snack and an empty water bottle, since food lines get long too.
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Have a backup plan if your flight is canceled. Save your airline's phone number and app in advance. If the airline cancels your flight or changes it a lot, US Department of Transportation rules say you can get a cash refund if you choose not to travel. If you are connecting, our layover playbook covers how to use a long wait well.
Your checklist for this week
- ☐ Compare return flights on the Sunday after Thanksgiving with Monday and Tuesday.
- ☐ Check that your license has the REAL ID star, or find your passport.
- ☐ Download your airline's app and turn on flight alerts.
- ☐ Decide which gifts to ship ahead and which to pack unwrapped.
The takeaway
The busiest week rewards whoever plans the travel day itself, not just the booking. If you are driving instead, TripsGalaxy's holiday road trip playbook covers the road version. And if the trip is costly and hard to change, the travel insurance decision is worth five minutes.
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