Traveling in the US can be quite hectic, especially during the holidays and peak weekends. These busy periods create crowded airports and congested roads, making it essential for travelers to plan ahead. So, knowing when these busy times occur is crucial for a stress-free trip.

Thanksgiving is one of the busiest travel periods with college students, families with children and elderly people all en route to the homes of family and friends.

Similarly, Christmas and New Year’s Holidays see a surge in travel as people take advantage of time off to visit family or take vacations – with travel ramping up from mid-December into early January.

And winter holiday travel – through some of the worst weather of the year – can make everything even more hectic and further impact your journey. So, it’s worthwhile understanding these patterns, in order to better plan your travel, avoiding crowds and ensuring a smoother experience.

Thanksgiving Travel Peaks

Thanksgiving is one of the busiest travel periods in the United States, with significant surges in both air and road traffic. The days leading up to and following Thanksgiving are notorious for high traffic as families travel to reunite.

The Wednesday before Thanksgiving, often dubbed Thanksgiving Eve, is notoriously crowded as people rush to reach their destinations. And the following Sunday also sees a huge wave of travelers – in 2023, it was estimated that air travel would peak with over 2.9 million passengers passing through TSA checkpoints on the Sunday after Thanksgiving, making it one of the busiest travel days in U.S. history.

Roadways also experience heavy traffic during this time, especially on the Tuesday and Wednesday before the holiday. Families often embark on long drives, contributing to congestion. For those planning to travel, it’s essential to anticipate these peak days and consider alternative travel dates or times to avoid the crowds.

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Busiest Days: Wednesday before Thanksgiving (known as “Thanksgiving Eve”) and Sunday after Thanksgiving, as travelers return home.

Reason: Thanksgiving is a family-centered holiday, and many people travel long distances to spend it with loved ones.

Christmas and New Year’s Rush

The Christmas and New Year’s period is one of the busiest times for travel in the United States, with heightened activity from mid-December to the beginning of January. The busiest days typically span from December 22 to December 24, as many people rush to reach their holiday destinations. This surge is driven by family gatherings, holiday celebrations, and vacation getaways. For instance, in 2024, TSA predicted that December 21, December 29, and January 1 would see the highest number of travelers at airports.

The return trips are equally busy, especially on December 26 and January 2, as families and friends head back home after the festivities. Many travelers opt to fly during this period, leading to packed airports and long lines. Additionally, road traffic intensifies as people drive to various destinations, causing major congestion on highways. Planning ahead is essential during this time to avoid the chaos and ensure a smoother journey.

The busiest travel days during December depend upon the calendar. If the holiday falls early in the week, for example, most people set off on the prior weekend.

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Busiest Days: The days leading up to Christmas (December 22–24) and the days between Christmas and New Year’s, particularly around December 26 and January 2.

Reason: Many combine holiday celebrations with extended vacations, especially when these holidays fall close to weekends.

Comparing Airports and Road Travel

Traveling by air and road during peak periods often leads to different experiences. Airports tend to be the busiest on the days immediately before and after major holidays. For instance, the Sunday after Thanksgiving is known as the busiest travel day of the year, with millions of passengers traveling to reunite with family after the holiday. Conversely, road travel sees a significant increase in traffic during the same holiday periods, particularly on the Tuesday and Wednesday before Thanksgiving and the Monday after. On these days, highways can become congested as families embark on their road trips.

It’s essential to recognize that while air travel spikes during specific days, road travel can experience heavy traffic over extended periods, particularly during holiday weekends. This comparison highlights the importance of planning ahead, whether you’re flying or driving, to navigate through the busiest travel periods.

More drivers with less than 50 miles to cover hit the road on Thanksgiving Day than any other day of the holiday week. Those driving more than 100 miles for a turkey dinner are equally likely to choose any day from Wednesday through Sunday of Thanksgiving week for their travels. Americans who take other modes of transportation, including air and rail, more often opt to get started on the Wednesday before the Thanksgiving holiday. The following Sunday is the most popular day to return home.

Busy travel days are also likely to make your trip longer. If you are driving, you will encounter more traffic delays on the roadways. If you are flying, forget about the luxury of an empty seat beside you you where you can spread out your belongings. In fact, you may discover that because the airline overbooked, you don’t even have a seat of your own. Also, due to tight scheduling, a flight cancellation or delay causes more missed connections and fewer options for a quick fix.

Top Tips

Airports: Peak times are often before and after these holidays.

Road Travel: Highways see heavy traffic during holiday weekends and near urban areas. AAA typically issues travel forecasts to highlight these trends.

Strategies for Simpler Holiday Travel

The best strategy for simplifying your winter holiday trip is advance planning. Many people shop for holiday tickets prior to Thanksgiving to get the prices and the schedules they prefer. You also have the best selection of accommodations and rental cars by reserving them well in advance of the holiday season.

However, even if your plans gel at the last minute this year, you may still have some leverage to make your trip less costly and hectic. One way to get where you need to go despite full holiday flights is to try an alternative airport. For example, if you cannot find a flight to Seattle on Dec. 23, try flying into Portland, OR, and rent a car to complete your journey on time.

To avoid overnight schedule delays, leave early in the morning. This holds true both for auto and air travel. If you are driving, you will find the interstate less crowded in the predawn hours. If you are flying, you will have more time to get on an alternative flight should yours be delayed or canceled due to weather.

Our Top Tips to Avoid the Crowds

To steer clear of the busiest travel days, consider traveling on less popular dates. For example, Thanksgiving Day itself is often much quieter than the days leading up to it. Booking flights early can also make a difference; try to choose early morning or late-night flights, which usually have fewer travelers.

If you’re driving, leaving very early in the morning or late at night can help you avoid the worst traffic. Additionally, be open to alternative routes or destinations. Sometimes, taking a scenic byway instead of the main highway can not only help you avoid congestion but also enhance your travel experience.

• Book flights during off-peak hours
• Consider alternative airports
• Use flexible travel dates
• Arrive at the airport early
• Stay informed about traffic conditions
• Use public transportation to get to airports
• Avoid popular travel days like Friday and Sunday

Whatever your plans during the winter holidays make sure you stay safe and travel wisely – ensure you are well-prepared for the weather especially when traveling long distances by car.

One great option if you’re planning to travel long-distance is to park at an airport hotel the night before your flight – which will help avoid the chaos of peak-time travel and ensure you’re relaxed and can enjoy your holiday to the max.

And if you you want to get away for the duration why not check out 15 Vacations for Thanksgiving Weekend which might just help you choose somewhere to spend your holidays.

Photo by:

Alper Z – Unsplash