Hawaii, Florida, Arizona, and Regional Airports Surge in Popularity This Thanksgiving with Four Percent Air Traffic Growth and Unbeatable Sunshine Vacation Spots

Published on November 21, 2025

This Thanksgiving, Hawaii, Florida, Arizona, and regional airports are seeing a notable rise in popularity, fueled by a 4% increase in air traffic and a strong demand for sun-filled vacation spots. As travelers look for warmth and outdoor adventures, these regions are becoming top choices, offering perfect weather, stunning landscapes, and convenient access through less crowded airports. With destinations like Hawaii’s beaches, Florida’s coastal escapes, and Arizona’s natural wonders, these locations are ideal for travelers seeking a balance of relaxation and adventure this holiday season.

As Thanksgiving approaches, Americans are heading to these sunny spots and opting for regional airports to streamline their travel experience. Data from Amadeus Travel Intelligence shows U.S. air traffic is projected to grow by 4% year-over-year during the holiday week, reflecting the strong demand for travel despite previous disruptions in air traffic.

Phoenix is one of the standout destinations, showing impressive momentum for the holiday period. Departures from the city are expected to rise by 3.4 percent, while arrivals will increase by a notable 10.5 percent between November 25th and December 2nd. This uptick reflects a growing interest in Phoenix’s mild climate and outdoor attractions, making it an appealing spot for those seeking an active, nature-filled holiday experience.

Atlanta is also experiencing strong gains, with departures up by 5.4 percent and arrivals increasing by 6.3 percent. This reinforces Atlanta’s position not only as a major travel hub but also as a key destination for leisure travelers from the southeastern United States, eager to explore the city and its surroundings during the festive season.

Sunshine continues to be a major driver of Thanksgiving travel, influencing trends in the hospitality industry. According to Amadeus’ Demand360 data, seven out of the top ten U.S. destinations with the highest hotel occupancy rates are located in Arizona, Florida, and Hawaii. Hawaii, in particular, remains a prime choice for travelers, with resort markets like Kahului, Honolulu, and Waikoloa leading the way. During the week of November 23rd to 29th, hotel occupancy rates in Hawaii are expected to be at 69%, which is more than double the national average, underscoring the continued popularity of island getaways.

On the mainland, Sedona, Arizona, stands out as the most sought-after destination this Thanksgiving. Its scenic beauty and outdoor offerings attract many, while Page, home to Lake Powell and the nearby Glen Canyon Dam, ranks in the top ten. Florida’s Gulf and Atlantic coasts are also showing strong momentum, particularly destinations like Key West and Key Largo, known for their picturesque beaches and laid-back vibe.

Despite the popularity of these beach destinations, rate increases remain modest, with some areas like Kahului and Key West even offering lower prices compared to last year. This suggests that travelers are finding value in their Thanksgiving holidays, seeking experiences that balance quality with affordability rather than succumbing to inflationary pressures.

Smaller regional airports are also seeing a rise in bookings, reflecting a shift toward more convenient, less congested travel options. Amadeus’ data reveals that mid-sized and secondary airports have experienced a nine percent growth in Thanksgiving bookings compared to 2024, while major hubs have seen more stable traffic levels. California is at the forefront of this trend, with airports in Long Beach, Oakland, Burbank, and Sacramento among the top ten fastest-growing destinations for the holiday season. Travelers seem to be gravitating toward these smaller airports for their simplicity and ease of travel, preferring direct flights and shorter transfers over long, stressful journeys through larger hubs.

This shift in traveler preferences highlights a broader trend toward more personalized and efficient holiday travel. As Amadeus’ data suggests, travelers are increasingly proactive about reducing disruptions and focusing on convenience over luxury. By flying into regional airports, avoiding long transfers, and choosing direct routes, many Americans are customizing their Thanksgiving journeys to match their desire for smooth, connected, and hassle-free travel.

Hawaii, Florida, Arizona, and regional airports are seeing a 4% increase in air traffic this Thanksgiving, driven by high demand for sunshine-filled vacations and easier travel through less crowded airports. These destinations offer perfect weather and outdoor attractions, making them the go-to spots for holiday getaways.

In summary, this Thanksgiving season is shaping up to be a busy one for U.S. travel, with a noticeable shift toward destinations that offer both warmth and outdoor activities, as well as airports that provide a more relaxed and convenient experience. Whether seeking sunshine in Hawaii or Arizona, enjoying beach holidays in Florida, or embracing the simplicity of regional airports, travelers are embracing a variety of options that reflect their preferences for a more personalized holiday experience.