Thanksgiving Travel: Will Airports Be Open?

Thanksgiving is one of the busiest times for air travel, with the Sunday after Thanksgiving being the most crowded day to fly. However, Thanksgiving Day is the least crowded day to travel to the airport. While some travellers experience flight delays and cancellations, data suggests that the rate of cancelled flights is lower during Thanksgiving than in other months. Airports remain open on Thanksgiving, but travellers are advised to arrive early to avoid long lines and accommodate for possible ground stops or delays.

Thanksgiving is one of the busiest travel times of the year

TSA checkpoint travel numbers from 2021 to 2023 show that Thanksgiving Day is the least crowded day to fly, with the number of travellers increasing in the days leading up to the holiday. The Tuesday, Wednesday and Sunday surrounding Thanksgiving are the busiest travel days, with the Sunday after the holiday projected to see more than 3 million people pass through airport security.

To avoid the crowds, it is recommended to fly on Black Friday, which is the third-least crowded day to fly on average. Flying early on Thanksgiving morning is also a good option, as is arriving at the airport with plenty of time to spare. The busiest times at checkpoints are 4:00 a.m.–6:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.–12:00 a.m.

To make the security process smoother, it is recommended to pack smart and start with an empty bag, reducing the likelihood of bringing prohibited items through the checkpoint. Liquids, gels and aerosols must be 3.4 ounces or less when packed in a carry-on bag, and foods such as gravy, cranberry sauce, wine, jam and preserves must be packed in a checked bag if they exceed this limit. Electronic devices should be placed in carry-on bags, not checked bags.

The Sunday after Thanksgiving is the worst day to fly

Thanksgiving is a major holiday in the United States, and the Sunday after Thanksgiving is typically the worst day of the year to fly. In 2023, more than 2.9 million people crossed through U.S. airport security checkpoints on the Sunday after Thanksgiving, making it the busiest single day of the year. This number broke the previous record for the most passengers screened in a single day by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).

The Sunday after Thanksgiving tends to be extremely busy at airports because it is when most people are returning home after spending the holiday with their families. The demand for flights on this day is so high that, in addition to the crowds, travellers can also expect to pay a premium for their tickets. According to Hopper's 2024 Holiday Travel Outlook, flights on the Sunday after Thanksgiving cost 45% more on average for domestic airfare.

If you want to avoid the crowds and the high prices, it is best to avoid travelling on the Sunday after Thanksgiving. Instead, consider flying on the actual holiday, as Thanksgiving Day is the lowest-traffic travel day of the holiday period. Airports are less crowded, and you may even find cheaper flights. Flying on Thanksgiving Day can be a great way to save money and have a more relaxed travel experience.

If you cannot fly on Thanksgiving Day itself, there are still a few other options to consider. The Saturday or Monday before Thanksgiving tends to be less busy, and Black Friday is usually the third-least crowded day to fly. By choosing one of these alternative days, you can avoid the chaos of the Sunday after Thanksgiving and make your travel experience much more pleasant.

While the Sunday after Thanksgiving is typically the worst day to fly, it is important to remain flexible and consider your own circumstances. Airport staffing issues, weather conditions, and other factors can also impact travel during the Thanksgiving holiday week. Planning ahead and booking your flights in advance can help ensure a smoother journey.

Black Friday is the third-least crowded day to fly

Thanksgiving is historically one of the peak travel times in the US. The Sunday after Thanksgiving is the most crowded day to fly, with long lines and more than 2.9 million people passing through US airport security checkpoints in 2021, 2022 and 2023. Thanksgiving Day is the least crowded day to fly, with just 1.5 million people at the airport. The Wednesday before Thanksgiving is also one of the most popular days to fly, so it is very busy and expensive.

If you want to avoid the crowds, Black Friday is the third-least crowded day to fly on average. It can be a great way to not only avoid airport crowds but also retail crowds, as many people are out shopping. The Monday after Thanksgiving is also a good day to fly, and if you can wait, Tuesday is even better. However, if you are travelling within the Tri-State area, be aware that there may be airport staffing issues and bad weather that could cause delays.

If you are able to be flexible with your scheduling, you can save money and avoid the chaos. The Saturday before Thanksgiving is the least crowded day to fly, followed by the Monday and Thursday before. The Wednesday after Thanksgiving is the least crowded day to fly home.

TSA offers time-saving travel tips for passengers

Thanksgiving is one of the busiest times of the year for airports, with long lines and crowds. However, Thanksgiving Day itself is the least crowded day to fly during the holiday period. To help passengers navigate the busy travel season, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has released time-saving travel tips and guidance.

The TSA recommends that passengers plan ahead and take advantage of programs like TSA PreCheck, which offers faster checkpoint screening with wait times of less than 10 minutes. Passengers enrolled in TSA PreCheck do not need to remove their shoes, belts, liquids, laptops, food items, or light jackets during security screening. To use TSA PreCheck, passengers must ensure their Known Traveler Number (KTN) is included in their airline reservation and appears on their boarding pass.

For those travelling with medication and medical devices, the TSA advises passengers to inform officers about any medical devices and equipment prior to screening. Passengers can also provide a TSA notification card to discreetly describe their medical condition. Medication can be screened by X-ray or visually inspected upon request.

To ensure safe transportation, the TSA screens all checked and carry-on baggage before it is brought onboard. While technology allows for electronic screening of bags without opening them, there are times when physical inspection is required. The TSA recommends using special locks that can be opened by security officers with universal "master" keys to avoid locks being cut during inspection.

By following these tips and guidelines, passengers can help ensure a smoother travel experience during the busy Thanksgiving holiday period.

Fresno Yosemite International Airport offers holiday travel tips

Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT) is gearing up for a busy Thanksgiving holiday travel period. The airport anticipates a high volume of travellers from Friday, November 22 through Monday, December 2, 2024. To ensure a smooth and stress-free journey, FAT offers the following essential travel tips:

Arrive Early

Passengers are strongly advised to reach the airport two hours before their domestic flight's departure time and three hours prior for international flights. The busiest times at the checkpoint are 4:00 a.m.–6:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m., and 9:00 p.m.–12:00 a.m. Arriving early helps you navigate potential crowds and gives you ample time for check-in and security screening.

Stay Informed and Flexible

Be prepared for unforeseen delays and last-minute changes. Check your flight status before leaving for the airport through your airline's website, mobile app, or by phone. Adverse weather conditions and airport staffing issues can impact travel plans, so stay flexible and patient.

Pack Smart

Start with empty bags to reduce the likelihood of bringing prohibited items through TSA checkpoints. For a seamless security screening process, follow TSA guidelines for packing medications, liquids, and other items. Keep medications easily accessible, separate from checked or carry-on baggage. Review the TSA's 3-1-1 Liquids Rule for carry-on bags, and remember not to wrap gifts; instead, use gift bags or boxes to avoid unwrapping if they trigger an alarm.

Firearms and Special Assistance

If you're travelling with a firearm, it must be properly packed in a hard-sided, locked case in your checked bag and declared at the ticket counter. Do not bring firearms to the security checkpoint or onboard. Additionally, TSA Cares offers a helpline for travellers with disabilities, medical conditions, or special circumstances who need assistance during the security screening process. Contact them 72 hours before your trip for guidance and support.

Avoid Peak Travel Days

If possible, avoid travelling on the busiest days around Thanksgiving. Typically, the Tuesday and Wednesday before Thanksgiving and the Sunday after the holiday are the most crowded at airports. Opting to fly on less busy days can help you bypass lengthy lines and crowded terminals.

Frequently asked questions