Thanksgiving Travel: Airlines Adjust for Record Passenger Numbers, Here’s All You Need to Know

Published on November 22, 2025

Air travel always experiences an uptick during the holidays and this year is no different. As Thanksgiving draws closer and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) restores its temporary flight bans , airlines anticipate record passenger volume. This decision comes as the government has successfully mitigated the air traffic control staffing shortages that disrupted the travel industry to a brach closure earlier this year. Staff shortages no longer constrain airlines as they return again to full operational capacity to facilitate travel for the holidays.

The Impact of the FAA’s Decision on Thanksgiving Travel

As the FAA removes its restrictions, airlines across the U.S. are gearing up for one of the busiest travel periods of the year. This will allow airlines to operate at full capacity as passenger numbers soar. The decision to lift the flight capacity cap follows an improvement in air traffic controller staffing levels, which had been a major source of flight delays and cancellations earlier in the year. The relief comes just in time for Thanksgiving, a holiday period that traditionally sees millions of travelers taking to the skies.

The result is a significant increase in available seats for passengers, with carriers now able to accommodate more travelers than originally anticipated. The timing of this change is crucial as AAA predicts that over 6 million people will fly during the Thanksgiving period, slightly surpassing last year’s numbers. While this is a positive development for passengers, travelers should remain vigilant and prepared for the potential of delays and last-minute cancellations due to high demand.

Surge in Air Travel: Record-High Thanksgiving Flight Numbers

According to AAA’s annual holiday travel forecast, the U.S. is expected to see a record-breaking 6 million air travelers from November 25 to December 1, 2025. This marks a slight increase from the previous year’s numbers, reflecting the continued recovery of the aviation industry after pandemic-related disruptions. However, the forecast also notes that some travelers may have adjusted their plans due to the recent spate of cancellations and delays experienced earlier in the year. In fact, a recent survey found that 41% of Thanksgiving travelers had to cancel, reschedule, or adjust their travel plans due to flight disruptions.

This spike in air travel, combined with the added challenge of managing large crowds at airports, will put significant pressure on both airlines and airport authorities. Travelers can expect busy terminals, longer security lines, and potentially more crowded flights, as the aviation industry works to manage the surge in demand.

Southwest Airlines Enhances Check-In Procedures to Streamline Travel

Southwest Airlines is responding to the increased demand by improving its check-in procedures for the holiday period. As part of its efforts to enhance the passenger experience, Southwest has expanded its participation in the TSA’s Touchless ID program at five major airports: Portland, Seattle, Salt Lake City, Atlanta, and New York LaGuardia. This system allows passengers to verify their identity at TSA checkpoints using facial recognition, streamlining the security process and reducing wait times.

In addition to the Touchless ID program, Southwest is bringing back its digital bag check feature, which allows passengers to check and pay for up to three standard bags during the online check-in process. This feature provides more convenience for travelers, giving them the option to pay for baggage fees through Apple Pay, PayPal, or credit cards, making the travel experience smoother and more efficient.

New Rule Withdrawn: Passengers Won’t Receive Compensation for Delays

In a controversial move, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has withdrawn a proposed rule that would have required airlines to compensate passengers for lengthy delays. This rule, which was initially suggested during the Biden administration, would have mandated compensation for delays caused by the airline, ranging from $200 to $775, depending on the length of the delay and the flight. The DOT’s decision to drop the proposal comes after concerns that the regulation would increase operational costs for airlines, which could ultimately raise ticket prices for consumers.

Although this move may be disappointing for passengers seeking financial recourse for delays, it highlights the ongoing balancing act between consumer protections and the financial sustainability of the airline industry.

International Route News: Expansions and Reductions

The holiday season also brings changes to international air travel, with several airlines expanding their routes to meet growing demand. JetBlue, for example, is adding two more European destinations to its network: Barcelona and Milan. Starting in 2026, these cities will join JetBlue’s growing roster of transatlantic routes from Boston, reflecting the airline’s increased focus on European expansion.

Meanwhile, Delta Air Lines has added more flights to its Buenos Aires route from Atlanta, increasing service to twice-daily flights during the holiday season. On the other hand, some airlines are scaling back operations. For instance, United Airlines has announced it will discontinue two international routes in 2026, including its service from Washington D.C. to Dakar, Senegal, and the seasonal flights from Newark to Stockholm, Sweden.

Frontier Airlines Offers Short-Term Sale on GoWild Annual Pass

For frequent flyers looking to make the most of their travel, Frontier Airlines is offering a limited-time sale on its GoWild All-You-Can-Fly annual pass. This pass, which typically costs $599, is now available for $349 through December 2, 2025. Pass holders can enjoy unlimited flights to any of Frontier’s destinations, although it does not cover additional fees for checked baggage, seat assignments, or other add-ons. This offer is an attractive option for travelers planning to fly multiple times in 2026 and beyond.

The Growing Role of Biometrics and Mobile Technology in Air Travel

A new study from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) reveals that air travelers are increasingly comfortable with the use of biometrics and digital transactions at the airport. According to the survey, 85% of passengers who have used biometric identification at airports reported satisfaction with the process, with 74% expressing a willingness to share their biometric data if it helps expedite their airport experience. This trend reflects the growing preference for seamless, mobile-based travel experiences, from booking and payment to security screening and boarding.

The adoption of digital wallets and mobile apps is also on the rise, with more than half of travelers now opting to deal directly with airlines through mobile platforms. This shift towards digital transactions is reshaping the travel experience, making it more convenient and efficient for passengers while reducing reliance on traditional methods like credit card payments.

Navigating the Busy Holiday Travel Season

As airlines increase to full capacity, travelers are able to prepare for a busy, but more manageable filling experience for the holiday travel season. The recent operational as well as the technological improvements airlines are adapting. New check-in procedures, air travel app technologies, and the expansions to airport skip the line purchasing are improvements travelers appreciate. With coming travel delays and the busy holiday season airports, travelers can see the difference between a holiday filled with travel related challenges and filling necessary travel easy.

As well offered travel flexibility with low rate pass ads and biometric airports line screening, the holiday travel season is offered low travel rates making a busy time for both the airline industry and travelers. With easy travel it is even more important to offered travelers easy travel prep.