U.S. Faces Historic Holiday Travel Season With Seventy-Two Million Americans Heading To Destinations Across The Country, Pushing Airline Demand To New Heights

Published on December 1, 2025

The U.S. is gearing up for an unparalleled Thanksgiving travel season, with 72 million Americans expected to travel this week. This surge is driven by pent-up demand, as many take advantage of the long weekend to reunite with family or go on vacation. Airlines and airports have been preparing for this record-breaking volume, ensuring that despite challenges like crowded terminals and busy flight schedules, the industry is ready to handle the rush and provide a seamless experience for travelers.

Millions of people are expected to take to the roads and skies during the week following Thanksgiving, marking the start of one of the busiest travel periods of the year in the U.S. This influx of travelers comes on the heels of the Thanksgiving holiday and is expected to continue into the following week, as many people take advantage of the long weekend or use the time to visit family, go on vacation, or simply enjoy a much-needed break. The holiday season is traditionally a peak period for travel, and this year, travel agencies and experts are anticipating a significant increase in the number of people on the move.

According to AAA Colorado, approximately 72 million Americans are projected to travel at least 50 miles from their homes during this period, whether by car, plane, or other means. This surge represents a remarkable jump in travel activity, with millions of people embarking on both short and long trips. The uptick in travel is also seen as a sign that Americans are returning to more typical travel patterns after the disruptions caused by the pandemic in previous years. With travel demand on the rise, airlines, airports, and other transportation services have been preparing to handle the expected volume of passengers.

Despite the excitement of the holiday season, some travelers expressed concerns leading up to the Thanksgiving period, particularly due to the timing of the government shutdown. There were concerns that the shutdown, which created uncertainty in various sectors, might affect air travel or lead to disruptions in government-run services such as airport security, air traffic control, and other essential operations. While many travelers feared that these disruptions might impact their flights, others were more hopeful, trusting that the government and airlines would work to minimize any potential issues. A few travelers mentioned that they were worried about flying so close to the end of the shutdown, but they hoped that any lingering issues would be resolved in time for their trips.

For the most part, these concerns were unfounded, as no major issues were reported at Denver International Airport (DIA) on Sunday night. The airport, which is one of the busiest in the country, handled the high volume of travelers without significant disruptions. According to the FlightAware website, only 35 cancellations were listed for flights departing from DIA, a relatively low number compared to the volume of travelers passing through the airport. For the most part, passengers reported that their flights were smooth and uneventful. Many travelers shared that they had experienced no delays, and their journeys were comfortable, despite the earlier concerns about the timing of their travel.

However, the travel rush doesn’t end with Thanksgiving. The next major holiday travel period is fast approaching, with many Americans already preparing for the Christmas holiday. This is expected to be another peak time for travel, with airlines bracing for an even larger surge of passengers. The holiday travel season is typically one of the busiest times of the year for the aviation industry, and airlines, airports, and transportation authorities have been preparing for the influx of travelers by ramping up their services and enhancing their operations. But while the industry is gearing up for a busy period, there are still concerns to address, particularly when it comes to the technical issues that airlines have faced earlier in the year.

One of the main issues that has raised concerns among travelers and airline experts is the technical difficulties that affected certain aircraft models, particularly those in the Airbus family. Earlier in the year, Airbus aircraft experienced some mechanical challenges, which caused some delays and raised questions about the safety and reliability of certain flights. While the issues with these aircraft were concerning, experts have noted that many of the problems have now been resolved. Airlines have been working to address the technical problems and ensure that their aircraft are in good working order. In fact, many airlines have already completed the necessary repairs and are well on their way to ensuring that their planes are fully operational ahead of the Christmas rush.

One of the key steps airlines have taken to ensure the smooth operation of flights is to conduct thorough inspections of aircraft engines. These inspections are aimed at identifying and resolving any potential issues that could cause delays or cancellations. Airline industry experts have reassured passengers that these inspections will be completed well in advance of the busy holiday season. As a result, travelers can expect a smoother experience, with fewer disruptions or delays caused by mechanical issues. These proactive measures are part of an ongoing effort by airlines to improve safety and minimize disruptions during the busiest travel periods of the year.

Airlines have also been enhancing their customer service efforts, working to ensure that passengers have a positive experience despite the crowded airports and potential delays. Many travelers have been encouraged to plan ahead and arrive early to the airport to allow ample time for security checks and other procedures. While the travel experience may still be impacted by long lines and crowded terminals, the overall outlook remains positive, with airlines and airports working to manage the increased volume of passengers.

Looking ahead to the Christmas travel season, the aviation industry appears to be in good shape to handle the surge in demand. Airlines have taken significant steps to address past technical issues, improve operational efficiency, and prepare for the busy period ahead. Experts believe that despite the large number of travelers expected to take flight, the industry is ready to meet the demand and provide a smooth experience for passengers. However, travelers are still urged to plan ahead, stay informed about their flights, and allow for extra time at the airport to ensure that their holiday journeys go as smoothly as possible.

While the Thanksgiving travel period posed some concerns for travelers, particularly due to the uncertainty surrounding the government shutdown, the actual experience for most passengers has been relatively smooth. Airlines have worked diligently to address technical issues and ensure that flights are operating as scheduled. As we approach the Christmas holiday season, both airlines and passengers can look forward to a relatively seamless travel experience, thanks to the proactive measures taken by the industry to improve operations and reduce disruptions. With the surge in travel demand, it’s clear that the aviation industry is prepared for the challenges ahead.