Newark Joins Chicago-O’Hare, George Bush, San Francisco, Seattle, Miami, And Other Busy Airports Bracing For Surge In Travelers As TSA Issues New Golden Age Of Travel Warning

Published on November 24, 2025

As Thanksgiving 2025 approaches, major US airports like Newark, Chicago-O’Hare, Miami, and San Francisco are bracing for the longest TSA wait times in recent years, primarily due to a record surge in holiday travelers. With over 17.8 million passengers expected during the holiday week, the high volume of flyers combined with tightened security measures is creating a perfect storm of delays at key airports across the country.

As the Thanksgiving holiday approaches, the US is bracing for one of the busiest travel periods of the year. With millions of travelers expected to hit the roads and skies, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has issued a stark warning for the upcoming Thanksgiving week. Newark, Chicago-O’Hare, George Bush Intercontinental, San Francisco International, Seattle-Tacoma, and Miami International—some of the busiest airports in the country—are preparing for an unprecedented surge in passenger traffic.

Thanksgiving is historically one of the busiest times for travel, as Americans head home to be with family and friends. In 2025, the TSA expects to screen over 17.8 million passengers at airports between November 25 and December 2, 2025, marking the week as a record-breaking period for air travel. As this surge in passengers is set to collide with the reality of longer TSA lines and heightened security measures, travelers are being urged to prepare for delays and potential disruptions, especially at high-traffic airports.

The TSA’s recent warning about the “Golden Age of Travel” emphasizes that airports will be overcrowded and that travelers should expect longer wait times. The agency is particularly focused on the Sunday after Thanksgiving, which could see over three million passengers passing through security checkpoints in a single day, potentially setting a new record for airport traffic in the US.

In this article, we take a closer look at how major US airports are preparing for the Thanksgiving rush, explore the TSA’s tips for navigating the busy period, and provide insights into which airports are expected to have the longest wait times.

TSA’s Golden Age of Travel Warning

The TSA’s Deputy Administrator, Adam Stahl, emphasized the unprecedented growth in air travel and the record number of holiday travelers expected this year. In a recent press release, Stahl stated that the US is entering the “golden age of travel,” with increasing numbers of Americans taking to the skies. The upcoming Thanksgiving week is expected to be one of the busiest travel periods in history, with the TSA screening more than 17.8 million travelers from November 25 to December 2.

This sharp uptick in passenger volume is partly due to the increasing trend of people opting to fly for the holidays rather than drive. According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), about 82 million people are expected to travel during the Thanksgiving week, and of that number, approximately six million are expected to fly. That represents a 2% increase in air travelers from last year, though disruptions caused by the recent government shutdown may still impact flight operations and cancellations.

As of 2025, TSA has already screened over three million passengers on nine of its top 10 highest volume days in the agency’s history. The busiest day in TSA history occurred last year on the Sunday after Thanksgiving, with over 3.1 million people passing through security checkpoints. This year, the TSA is anticipating a similar volume on November 30, 2025, with a projected total of over 3 million passengers on that day alone.

The Role of TSA Officers

Despite the challenges posed by record volumes of passengers, the TSA has assured the public that its workforce is ready and able to handle the surge. Even during difficult times, such as the government shutdown, TSA officers have been steadfast, with many working without pay to ensure the safety of travelers.

TSA’s Adam Stahl praised the commitment and resilience of the officers, acknowledging their dedication to the job, even during the shutdown when staffing levels were reduced. The professionalism of TSA staff will be crucial as the agency manages one of the busiest travel seasons on record.

Stahl also mentioned that the TSA is laser-focused on ensuring the smooth flow of passengers through security checkpoints during the Thanksgiving holiday period. While staffing levels are high, travelers are still being advised to plan ahead, arrive early, and have the necessary documents ready to expedite the security process.

Thanksgiving Travel Surge at Major US Airports

As is often the case during peak travel periods, some US airports will experience longer-than-usual wait times. While all airports across the country will see increased traffic, the following airports are expected to face the heaviest passenger volumes:

1. Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
2. Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD)
3. George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)
4. San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
5. Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
6. Miami International Airport (MIA)

These major hubs are anticipated to have the longest TSA lines, with travelers potentially spending significant amounts of time waiting to pass through security. In particular, airports like Miami International, Chicago-O’Hare, and Newark are expected to experience wait times of over 50 minutes on average.

Thanksgiving 2025: Countdown to Chaos — Which Major US Airports Are Facing the Longest TSA Wait Times?

As illustrated in the table, Miami International and Los Angeles International are expected to experience the longest TSA wait times, with averages nearing an hour. Similarly, Newark, Chicago-O’Hare, and San Francisco are also projected to see significant delays.

These airports, which handle a high volume of both international and domestic flights, will be especially crowded as travelers rush to make their flights or navigate through lengthy security lines. Airport officials at these major hubs are actively working to minimize delays by increasing staffing and enhancing efficiency at TSA checkpoints, but passengers should still anticipate longer waiting times.

Tips for a Smoother TSA Experience

With such high passenger volumes expected, travelers can take several proactive steps to ensure they move through TSA lines as quickly and efficiently as possible. Here are some expert tips from TSA insiders and travel journalists who have worked as TSA officers:

1. Arrive Early: The key to avoiding stress and missing your flight is to arrive at the airport with plenty of time to spare. For domestic flights, it is recommended that passengers arrive at least two hours before their scheduled departure. For international flights, aim for three hours.
2. Know Your TSA Lanes: Make sure you’re using the correct lane. TSA PreCheck, CLEAR, and standard lanes all offer different levels of speed and efficiency. If you have TSA PreCheck, make sure to use that lane, as it typically moves faster and allows you to keep your shoes, belts, and jackets on.
3. Prepare Your Documents: Have your ID and boarding pass ready for inspection before you reach the security checkpoint. This simple step can save valuable time.
4. Check Your Carry-On Items: Ensure that all liquids in your carry-on comply with TSA’s 3-1-1 rule—each container must be 3.4 ounces or less and placed in a quart-sized bag. Any liquids larger than this should go in your checked luggage.
5. Don’t Wrap Gifts: If you’re traveling with gifts, make sure they aren’t wrapped. Wrapping paper can obscure the contents of a package, and TSA officers will need to unwrap them during security screening.
6. Traveling with Pets: If you’re traveling with a pet, ensure it is either in a carrier or in your arms as you walk through the metal detector. If your pet is on a leash, you may be asked to remove it for screening.
7. Be Patient: Thanksgiving travel can be stressful, but keeping a calm and patient attitude will help you get through security more smoothly.

Final Thoughts

The upcoming Thanksgiving week will be a major test for the US travel system, with record numbers of passengers flocking to airports across the country. The TSA’s Golden Age of Travel warning highlights the increased volume of travelers and the potential for longer-than-usual wait times, especially at airports like Newark, Chicago-O’Hare, Miami, and San Francisco.

While delays are inevitable, travelers who follow TSA’s tips and arrive prepared will have a smoother experience as they navigate crowded terminals and long lines. With over 17.8 million passengers expected to travel during the Thanksgiving period, it’s important to stay vigilant, plan ahead, and expect delays.

Major US airports like Newark, Chicago-O’Hare, and Miami will face the longest TSA wait times during Thanksgiving 2025 due to a record-breaking number of travelers, with over 17.8 million passengers expected to pass through security. The unprecedented surge in holiday travel combined with increased security measures is the main reason for these extended delays.

By taking a proactive approach to holiday travel, passengers can minimize stress and make their Thanksgiving journey as pleasant as possible. Whether you’re heading out to spend time with family or friends, the key to a successful holiday travel experience lies in preparation, patience, and flexibility.