Atlanta Joins Chicago, Los Angeles, Seattle, and Phoenix in Thanksgiving Chaos – Are You Ready for the Biggest Travel Rush of 2025 Holiday Season?

Published on November 27, 2025

By: Paramita Sarkar

As millions of travelers take to the skies for the Thanksgiving 2025 holiday, several major U.S. airports in Atlanta, Chicago, Los Angeles, Seattle, and Phoenix are anticipating record-breaking passenger numbers, along with heavy traffic, extended wait times, and parking challenges. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International (ATL), Chicago O’Hare International (ORD), Los Angeles International (LAX), Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA), and Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX) have all issued advisories to help passengers navigate the busy holiday period. Here’s a breakdown of what travelers need to know.

Travelers Flying Through Major U.S. Airports

The busiest U.S. airports this Thanksgiving are preparing for an overwhelming surge in passenger numbers. Airports like ATL, ORD, LAX, SEA, and PHX are expecting significant delays, crowded terminals, and packed parking lots. From domestic flights to international connections, passengers across the country will be facing longer wait times and crowded spaces.

Thanksgiving 2025 Travel Surge and How to Avoid Hassles

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is expecting over 4 million travelers this Thanksgiving season. The busiest day will be December 1, with over 375,000 passengers passing through the airport. Travelers are advised to arrive at least three hours before their flight, check real-time updates, and familiarize themselves with TSA guidelines to avoid long lines.

Chicago O’Hare International (ORD) is gearing up for its busiest Thanksgiving season in history, with over 1.63 million travelers expected. For passengers flying through ORD, it’s crucial to plan ahead by visiting the airport’s website for up-to-date information about security wait times and airport services.

Los Angeles International (LAX) is predicting 2.5 million travelers during the holiday period. To streamline the process, LAX suggests pre-booking parking spaces in advance and staying updated on real-time parking availability through the official airport channels.

Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA) anticipates over 900,000 travelers this Thanksgiving. The airport has made several upgrades, including a redesigned checkpoint and easier access to parking. However, passengers should still arrive early to avoid missing their flight due to the expected crowds.

Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX) warns that parking lots will fill up quickly, and travelers are encouraged to reserve parking ahead of time. For those seeking to avoid the heavy traffic, picking up and dropping off passengers at designated Sky Train® stations can help bypass congestion.

Peak Travel Dates and Deadlines

The Thanksgiving rush will begin in earnest during the last week of November, with the busiest travel days expected to occur between November 29 and December 1. Passengers traveling on these peak days should plan for longer-than-usual wait times at check-in counters, security lines, and baggage claim areas. To minimize stress, it’s recommended to arrive at least two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international flights.

Major U.S. Airports Experiencing Heavy Traffic

• Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International (ATL): Located in Atlanta, Georgia, ATL is expected to handle over 4 million passengers this Thanksgiving, with December 1 being the peak travel day.
• Chicago O’Hare International (ORD): Serving the Windy City, O’Hare is preparing for over 1.63 million passengers, making this the busiest Thanksgiving season in the airport’s history.
• Los Angeles International (LAX): As one of the busiest airports in the world, LAX is expecting 2.5 million travelers this holiday season.
• Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA): Serving the Pacific Northwest, SEA will see over 900,000 passengers, with upgrades to checkpoint areas to handle the crowds.
• Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX): PHX, a key hub for holiday travel in Arizona, advises travelers to reserve parking in advance to avoid the anticipated congestion.

The Increased Traffic and What Airports Are Doing About It

The Thanksgiving holiday has long been one of the busiest travel periods of the year, and 2025 is no exception. A combination of factors—ranging from heightened post-pandemic travel to increased consumer confidence—has led to an uptick in airport traffic. Airports across the country have been preparing months in advance by enhancing their services and infrastructure, from upgraded terminals and faster security screening processes to expanded parking facilities and shuttle services.

These enhancements aim to make travel smoother for passengers, though the sheer volume of travelers is expected to overwhelm even the best-laid plans. Airports have issued advisories and recommendations to help passengers manage the stress, avoid delays, and keep traffic flowing smoothly.

Tips for Navigating Airport Crowds This Thanksgiving

To make the most of your Thanksgiving travels, here are a few strategies to keep in mind:

1. Arrive Early: Arriving two to three hours before your flight can save you from the stress of missing your departure time due to security or long lines.
2. Pre-book Parking: Reserve parking in advance to secure a spot and avoid the frustration of searching for an available space.
3. Use Shuttle Services: For larger airports, consider utilizing shuttles or the Sky Train® services to avoid traffic congestion and make your transfer more efficient.
4. Check Real-time Updates: Many airports provide real-time updates on security wait times, shuttle schedules, and parking availability through their official websites or apps. Keeping up with these updates will help you adjust your travel plans accordingly.
5. Opt for Ride-Sharing: If possible, consider using ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft to bypass airport parking lots altogether.

With these tips in hand, you can navigate the holiday rush with confidence and minimize the stress of Thanksgiving travel in 2025.

Image: Los Angeles International (LAX)