A record number of Americans are expected to travel for Thanksgiving this year, according to AAA. The organization predicts that 81.8 million people will travel during the holiday period from Tuesday, November 25, to Monday, December 1. This marks an increase of 1.6 million travelers compared to last year. Thanksgiving falls on Thursday, November 27, and comes shortly after a 43-day government shutdown that led to significant flight cancellations. However, airlines do not anticipate any lingering effects from that disruption during the holiday season.

AAA estimates that 6 million people will fly within the United States for Thanksgiving, a 2% increase from 2024. The busiest air travel day is expected to be Sunday, November 30, with over 3.2 million domestic seats available, according to aviation analytics firm Cirium. Despite this, flight bookings from November 26 to November 30 are down 3.3% compared to last year, likely due to uncertainty stemming from the government shutdown.

American Airlines plans to operate more than 80,000 flights during the Thanksgiving period, with its busiest day also anticipated to be Sunday, November 30. United Airlines expects to see its highest number of Thanksgiving travelers ever this year, with peak travel days forecasted for Sunday, November 30, Saturday, November 29, and Monday, December 1. The busiest U.S. airports are projected to be Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Chicago O'Hare International Airport, Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, Charlotte Douglas International Airport, and Denver International Airport.

AAA also predicts that nearly 90% of Thanksgiving travelers, or about 73 million people, will travel by car. Renting a car this Thanksgiving is expected to be 15% cheaper than last year. The busiest days on the roads are forecasted to be Tuesday, November 25; Wednesday, November 26; and Sunday, November 30. Traffic is expected to be lighter on Thanksgiving Day itself. For those driving, the best times to travel before Thanksgiving are before noon on Tuesday, November 25, and before 11 a.m. on Wednesday, November 26. On the return trip, optimal driving times are before 11 a.m. on Friday, November 28; before 10 a.m. on Saturday, November 29; before 11 a.m. on Sunday, November 30; or after 8 p.m. on Monday, December 1.

As travel ramps up, potential weather disruptions could impact holiday plans. Crowded airports and winter weather may lead to delays and cancellations. Travelers are advised to familiarize themselves with their rights regarding flight delays and cancellations. The Department of Transportation has established rules for airline compensation in such cases. If a flight is delayed significantly due to reasons within the airline's control, passengers may be entitled to a refund or accommodations such as meal and lodging vouchers.

Travelers should also be aware of their rights regarding lost luggage and the procedures for filing claims with airlines. Additionally, those planning to visit theme parks or take cruises should understand the policies for refunds and rescheduling. With millions on the move, being informed can help mitigate the stress of holiday travel.