Published on November 23, 2025
As the Thanksgiving holiday approaches, Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) is preparing for a record-breaking travel surge, joining Miami International, George Bush Intercontinental, Charlotte Douglas, and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Airports in anticipating a massive increase in passengers. These airports are set to experience some of the busiest days of the year as millions of travelers head out to reunite with family, enjoy the holiday season, or embark on vacation. With Thanksgiving travel expected to hit all-time highs, it’s crucial for passengers to prepare for long lines, crowded terminals, and high traffic volumes. Whether you’re flying out of MSP, Miami, or another major hub, getting ready for the ultimate holiday rush means planning ahead. Arriving early, checking in online, and staying informed on flight statuses will be essential for navigating the busy airports. The coming days promise to be a whirlwind of activity at these key travel hubs.
The Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC) predicts that around 441,000 passengers will pass through security checkpoints at MSP between Thanksgiving Day and December 1st. This figure represents a significant jump in travel compared to previous years and reflects the growing trend of early holiday travel. Many passengers are already beginning their Thanksgiving journeys well in advance, hoping to avoid the usual rush that peaks on the day before Thanksgiving and the Sunday that follows.
Advertisement
Brian Ryks, the CEO of the MAC, emphasized that the busiest travel days will be Wednesday (the day before Thanksgiving) and Sunday (the day after), both of which are expected to see massive crowds. The Wednesday before Thanksgiving is always one of the busiest travel days in the US, with people eager to get a head start on their holiday plans. As many as 47,000 passengers are expected to travel through MSP on that day alone. The Sunday following Thanksgiving will also see a surge in activity, with an estimated 49,000 passengers passing through security as people head home after the long weekend.
This high volume of travel is a normal pattern for MSP and other major US airports, as Thanksgiving marks the start of the busiest travel period of the year. The holidays are traditionally one of the busiest times for air travel, with families reuniting and people taking vacations. However, the surge in passenger numbers this year is expected to be even more significant due to the growing trend of travel being spread out across several days.
As the holiday travel season arrives, MSP is not only facing a surge in passengers but also recovering from some challenges earlier in the year. In early November, disruptions caused by Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) shutdowns led to a number of flight cancellations and delays, causing frustrations for both passengers and airport staff. However, with the Thanksgiving season approaching, MSP is expecting a smooth experience and a strong rebound as operations return to normal.
The airport has implemented new strategies and preparations to ensure a seamless experience for travelers. Security measures are being enhanced to keep up with the increased traffic, and staff are being stationed across the airport to assist passengers and handle potential issues that could arise. With nearly half a million people passing through the airport, the pressure on MSP staff and resources will be immense, but the airport is confident in its ability to manage the increased volume and maintain a high standard of service.
Advertisement
Passengers travelling through MSP during the Thanksgiving week can expect high levels of activity across multiple areas of the airport. From ticketing counters to security checkpoints, drop-off zones, and parking areas, the airport will experience a surge in traffic. It is important for travelers to plan ahead and be prepared for the crowds.
Security lines are expected to be long, especially on the busiest travel days. It’s recommended to arrive at least two to three hours before your scheduled flight to give yourself ample time to pass through security. The airport advises passengers to plan ahead and use the airport’s free mobile app to monitor wait times and secure a spot in the security line. This can help minimize stress and avoid delays.
Parking is another area where travelers are encouraged to plan ahead. MSP has a variety of parking options available, including both long-term and short-term parking lots. However, during the holiday rush, these spots tend to fill up quickly. To avoid frustration, it is recommended to pre-book parking before arriving at the airport. By reserving a parking space in advance, passengers can ensure a smoother experience when they arrive.
With so many people travelling, the ticketing counters and check-in areas will be busier than usual. It’s essential to check in online as early as possible to avoid unnecessary delays. Having your boarding pass ready, along with your ID and other travel documents, will speed up the process.
MSP’s drop-off and pick-up areas will also experience heavy congestion, especially during peak travel times. Passengers should plan accordingly and allow extra time for these activities. If you are picking someone up, it’s a good idea to monitor the flight status and adjust your arrival time to avoid waiting in the busy terminal.
To ensure a smooth journey through MSP during the busy Thanksgiving holiday week, here are some key tips to help make your travel experience easier:
It’s always a good idea to arrive at the airport early, but this is especially important during the Thanksgiving rush. The airport recommends arriving at least two to three hours before your flight to allow plenty of time for check-in, security, and any unexpected delays.
MSP offers a free mobile app that allows you to check wait times at security checkpoints and even reserve a spot in the security line. Take advantage of these tools to make your experience more efficient.
With so many passengers expected, parking spaces will be in high demand. To avoid the hassle of searching for a spot, pre-book your parking in advance. This ensures that you have a guaranteed spot when you arrive at the airport.
Ensure that you have all necessary documents, such as your ID and boarding pass, before heading to the airport. Missing paperwork can cause delays and added stress, so double-check everything before leaving for MSP.
Flight schedules can sometimes change, especially during peak travel times. Stay up-to-date on any potential delays or cancellations by monitoring your flight status through the airline’s website or MSP’s flight tracker.
With so many people traveling, there will be more waiting in line, crowded spaces, and delays. It’s important to remain patient and stay calm. The airport staff are doing their best to keep things running smoothly, and keeping a positive attitude will help reduce stress.
MSP is no stranger to handling large crowds, but this year’s Thanksgiving rush is set to be one of the busiest in the airport’s history. According to data from Airports Council International, MSP ranks as the 18th-busiest airport in the US, with more than 37 million passengers passing through in 2024. With its central location and connections to numerous domestic and international destinations, MSP continues to be a vital hub for air travel in the United States.
Looking beyond the Thanksgiving holiday, MSP’s recovery from the disruptions caused by the FAA shutdowns earlier this month will continue. The airport is optimistic about its future as it prepares to handle the surge in passengers over the holiday season and beyond. With ongoing investments in infrastructure, technology, and customer service, MSP is committed to improving the travel experience for passengers year-round.
Thanksgiving is always one of the busiest travel times of the year, and MSP Airport is bracing for a record-breaking surge in passengers. With nearly half a million travelers expected to pass through its gates, the airport is prepared to handle the crowds and ensure a smooth travel experience. By arriving early, using technology to your advantage, and staying informed, passengers can navigate the holiday rush with ease and make the most of their time at MSP. Whether you’re heading out for a holiday vacation or returning home to see family, MSP’s dedicated staff are ready to help you have a smooth and memorable holiday travel experience.
One of the biggest travel hubs in the U.S., Miami International Airport (MIA), is gearing up for a record-breaking surge of 1.96 million travellers between November 20 and December 2, 2025. This increase reflects a 4% rise in passenger numbers compared to last year. The airport expects the busiest days to be November 21–22, right before Thanksgiving, and the weekend after Thanksgiving, spanning November 29 to December 1. MIA is preparing for a hectic travel period with massive crowds expected both at the gates and throughout the airport.
The surge in passengers can be attributed to the large number of people heading to Florida for both domestic and international travel. Miami has long been a popular destination for tourists, with warm weather and a rich cultural scene drawing thousands each year. Whether travellers are heading to the beaches or visiting family and friends, the holiday season brings a significant increase in demand.
MIA has also been investing in airport upgrades to handle the growing number of travellers. They have recently introduced new security checkpoint technology to speed up the process and enhance the overall passenger experience. Despite these improvements, passengers can expect long lines, crowded terminals, and potentially delayed flights during peak times.
For those flying out of MIA, it is crucial to plan ahead. Arriving early, checking in online, and staying updated on flight statuses will make navigating the busy terminals easier.
In Houston, the George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) are preparing for a massive holiday surge of their own. A combined total of 2.1 million passengers are expected to travel through these airports between November 20 and December 1, 2025. With 1.6 million passengers expected at IAH and 500,000 at HOU, the region’s airports will face significant pressure to handle the influx of travellers.
Houston has become an increasingly important hub for both domestic and international flights, especially due to its central location and connections to both the East and West coasts. The Thanksgiving period has always been a peak time for air travel, but this year, the numbers are expected to be even higher as many are taking advantage of the long holiday to visit family or head out on vacation.
Airport authorities in Houston are already aware of the challenges posed by this holiday surge. Both airports are working to expand their check-in counters, improve TSA screening processes, and enhance parking facilities to accommodate the expected passenger volume. Still, with weather-related disruptions and an increased demand for services, passengers should prepare for crowded conditions.
Much like Miami, Houston travellers should arrive early and expect longer wait times, particularly at security checks and baggage claim areas. Weather conditions, particularly thunderstorms, could add another layer of complexity to the travel experience. Be sure to stay informed and keep an eye on flight updates to avoid any surprises.
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport: Over 4 Million Passengers Expected
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is gearing up for another record-breaking Thanksgiving travel period. With more than 4 million passengers expected to travel between November 20 and December 2, 2025, ATL is once again set to be one of the busiest airports in the world. This will be the peak period for the airport, with passenger numbers soaring over the Thanksgiving weekend.
As the busiest airport in the world by passenger traffic, Hartsfield-Jackson sees a huge number of travellers year-round. Atlanta is a major hub for Delta Air Lines, which connects passengers to cities across the United States and internationally. Additionally, the city of Atlanta itself is a major destination for both business and leisure travel, especially during the holiday season. During the Thanksgiving period, many people travel to Atlanta to visit family and friends, making it an even busier hub.
The airport expects its busiest days to be Friday, November 21, and Sunday, November 30, with over 375,000 passengers expected on Monday, December 1 alone. The number of travellers is expected to exceed previous years, and this is expected to cause congestion at check-in counters, security lines, and baggage claim areas.
Due to its size and reputation as the world’s busiest airport, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta has the infrastructure to handle large volumes of passengers. However, with more than 4 million people expected to travel through ATL, passengers should expect long wait times, crowded terminals, and potential flight delays.
To navigate the crowds, travellers should arrive early, ideally 2 to 3 hours before their flight, and plan ahead for possible delays. With more people travelling, the airport’s parking lots are also expected to fill up quickly, so it’s recommended to pre-book parking or use ride-share services. Passengers should also stay updated on their flight status and be prepared for possible weather-related disruptions, as storms during the holiday season can impact flight schedules.
Miami International Airport (MIA), another major travel hub, is expecting a record-breaking surge of 1.96 million passengers during the Thanksgiving holiday period. This figure represents a 4% increase in traffic compared to last year, as more people head to Florida to visit family or enjoy the warm weather.
Miami is a major tourist destination, especially during the holiday season, due to its warm weather and vibrant cultural scene. Additionally, many people travel to Miami to spend Thanksgiving with family and friends. Whether people are flying in for vacation or business, the demand for flights to and from Miami is high, leading to the expected surge in passengers.
MIA is also a key airport for international travel, with many flights coming from South America, Europe, and other parts of the world. As the holiday season approaches, the airport anticipates heavy traffic at security checkpoints, check-in counters, and throughout the terminals.
Miami International Airport is preparing for the massive crowds by upgrading its security checkpoints and introducing new technologies to speed up the process. Despite these efforts, passengers should expect long wait times and crowded conditions during peak travel days.
To ensure a smooth experience, it’s important to arrive early, especially if travelling on the busiest days like November 21 or November 30. Passengers should also consider pre-booking parking to secure a spot, as parking is expected to be in high demand. Checking in online and having your boarding pass ready will help speed up the check-in process, allowing for more time to get through security and to your gate.
Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) in North Carolina is also preparing for a significant increase in passengers this Thanksgiving. 1.9 million travellers are expected to pass through the airport between November 20 and December 2, 2025. While this is slightly lower than the previous year’s numbers, it still represents a significant increase in traffic for the airport.
Charlotte has become an increasingly important airport for American Airlines, which operates a large number of flights out of CLT. The airport connects passengers to destinations across the United States and beyond, making it a vital hub for both domestic and international travel. During Thanksgiving, many people travel through Charlotte to visit family, making the airport particularly busy during this time.
Like Miami and Atlanta, Charlotte is preparing for the holiday rush with increased security staff, upgraded infrastructure, and expanded terminal facilities. The airport recently completed a $608 million Terminal Lobby Expansion, which will help accommodate the increased number of passengers. Despite these upgrades, however, travellers should still expect crowded terminals and longer wait times, especially during peak travel days like November 30.
Passengers flying through Charlotte should aim to arrive at least 2 hours before domestic flights and 3 hours before international flights. This will give enough time to pass through check-in, security, and get to the gate. Parking will be in high demand, so it’s important to reserve a spot ahead of time or use alternative transportation like ride-share services to avoid parking hassles.
As Thanksgiving approaches, airports across the United States will see massive surges in passenger numbers. Whether you’re flying out of Atlanta, Miami, or Charlotte, there are several things you can do to ensure a smoother travel experience:
One of the most important things to do during the busy holiday travel season is to arrive early. Major airports like Hartsfield-Jackson and Miami International are expected to be packed, and you will need extra time to navigate the crowds. Arriving 2 to 3 hours before your flight is a good rule of thumb.
Parking is expected to be at a premium during the holiday season, so it’s best to pre-book your parking spot. If you’re unable to find parking, consider using a ride-share service like Uber or Lyft to get to the airport. This can save you time and hassle.
Most airports and airlines offer online check-in, which can save you a lot of time. By checking in online, you can skip long lines at the check-in counter and head straight to security. Be sure to have your boarding pass ready on your phone or printed out.
With so many passengers travelling, security lines are expected to be long. Consider signing up for TSA PreCheck or Clear to expedite the process. Make sure you have all necessary documents ready, including your ID and boarding pass, to speed things up.
Flights can often be delayed or cancelled during the busy holiday season, so it’s important to stay updated on your flight status. Download your airline’s app or check the airport’s website for real-time flight information.
With the increased number of travellers, it’s easy to become frustrated or stressed. However, patience is key. Stay calm, follow the signs, and be prepared for longer wait times. Remember that the airport staff is working hard to make the experience as smooth as possible.
The Thanksgiving travel period in 2025 will be a historic one, with airports like Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta, Miami International, and Charlotte Douglas seeing record-breaking numbers of travellers. Whether you’re flying to visit family, take a vacation, or travel for work, it’s essential to plan ahead and be prepared for the crowds. With millions of people expected to travel, it’s going to be a busy few weeks for the nation’s airports.
By arriving early, checking in online, pre-booking parking, and staying updated on flight statuses, you can help make your Thanksgiving travel experience smoother. The holiday rush may be overwhelming, but with the right preparation, you can make it through the busiest travel season of the year.
Advertisement
Tags: florida, Miami, north carolina, Texas, United States
Monday, November 24, 2025
Monday, November 24, 2025
Monday, November 24, 2025
Monday, November 24, 2025
Monday, November 24, 2025
Monday, November 24, 2025