The best (and worst) times to travel this Thanksgiving

The Best and Worst Times to Travel This Thanksgiving

Beat the holiday rush with thoughtful timing. Travelers this year face more than the usual holiday chaos—2025’s Thanksgiving travel season arrives amid a prolonged government shutdown now exceeding eight weeks.

Impact of the Government Shutdown

The shutdown has left tens of thousands of air traffic controllers and TSA officers working without pay, leading to rising absenteeism and mounting pressure on the aviation system. To maintain safety, the FAA introduced a 10% reduction in flights across 40 major airports, a move expected to cause longer waits and slower processing times.

“Delays and cancellations beget delays and cancellations,” aviation analyst William J. noted, warning travelers of a domino effect that could spiral into broader travel disruptions.

What Travelers Can Expect

More frequent delays and cancellations, especially around peak travel days.
Longer security and boarding lines at major airports.
Potential spillover effects on regional flights and connecting routes.

Expert Advice

Travelers are urged to book early flights, avoid connecting routes if possible, and allow generous time for arrival and security checks. Flexibility and real-time updates will be key to navigating the busiest travel period of the year.

About This Season

Thanksgiving travel is often hectic, but in 2025, operational stress and political gridlock make it a true test of patience for American flyers.

Author’s Summary: Thanksgiving travel in 2025 faces turmoil from an extended government shutdown reducing air traffic capacity, heightening delays, and testing U.S. aviation resilience.

Time Out — 2025-11-06