The Best and Worst Times to Travel This Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving travel is hectic every year, but 2025 brings an added challenge: a government shutdown lasting over eight weeks, impacting the people who keep air travel running smoothly.
Current Travel Challenges
Tens of thousands of air traffic controllers and TSA agents continue to work without pay, leading to rising absences. The FAA has imposed a 10% reduction in air traffic at 40 major airports to maintain safety, causing longer lines and slower operations on the runway.
“Delays and cancellations beget delays and cancellations,” said aviation analyst William J.
Potential Holiday Impact
If the shutdown continues through the holiday, experts warn that normal travel delays might escalate into widespread airport chaos. Unlike the 2018 shutdown, this time affected workers will be two paychecks behind by Thanksgiving dinner.
Travel Tips
- Expect longer waits and slower service at airports.
- Prepare for potential delays and cancellations.
- Plan travel times carefully to avoid peak congestion periods.
Stay Informed
Sign up for newsletters to get updates on travel conditions and tips for navigating the busiest flying day of the year.
Author’s summary: The ongoing government shutdown in 2025 severely disrupts Thanksgiving travel, causing staff shortages and reduced flights, which likely leads to longer delays and widespread airport congestion.