The holiday season is in full swing, and for millions of travelers across North America, airports are buzzing with more activity than ever before. From the bustling terminals of Canadian giants like Air Canada to the regional hub of Syracuse Hancock International Airport in New York, the 2025-2026 holiday period is shaping up to be one for the record books. Airlines and airports alike are rolling out new amenities, ramping up staff, and introducing tech upgrades to ensure that the journey—often as stressful as it is joyful—goes as smoothly as possible for everyone involved.
Between December 18, 2025 and January 4, 2026, Air Canada anticipates welcoming more than 2.3 million customers, with close to 130,000 passengers traveling each day and peak days surpassing 140,000 across its vast network. According to Air Canada, this surge is not just a number—it’s a logistical feat that brings together frontline agents, cabin crews, and digital tools in a massive coordinated effort. "At Air Canada, the customer experience is at the core of everything we do, and we know that at this busy time of year and with unpredictable weather, holiday travel is exciting but can also be stressful," Tom Stevens, Vice President of Customer Experience and Service Operations, told reporters. "Our teams are here to provide attentive care and help customers feel confident and comfortable throughout their journey. Especially our customers who may need an extra helping hand – whether that’s families with young children, or our customers with accessibility needs."
On the ground, Air Canada’s holiday hospitality is impossible to miss. From December 18 to 24, many Canadian airports will feature complimentary festive snacks handed out by cheerful Air Canada teams. Travelers can expect familiar treats such as LeClerc Célébration Cookies and TWIGZ buttery herb and garlic pretzels, offering a small but timely boost during the pre-Christmas rush. The holiday spirit started early at Montréal-Trudeau International Airport, where staff surprised customers with seasonal gifts—an initiative designed to make the airport experience just a bit warmer, even as lines and crowds grow longer.
Inside select Maple Leaf Lounges, the holiday cheer continues with a menu of regional Canadian dishes: oven-roasted turkey, Beef Provençale, tourtière du Québec, pomegranate-roasted root vegetables, and ragoût de boulettes d’antan. Classic desserts like gingerbread cookies, yule logs, and panettone round out the festive offerings. These culinary touches extend into the air as well. Economy passengers on select international outbound flights may see red velvet cookies and broccoli and cranberry salad, while Premium Economy adds hot chocolate and TWIGZ Cinnamon Churro pretzels. In Air Canada Signature Class, travelers enjoy a turkey roulade meal, a cranberry Aperol spritz, and San Sebastian cheesecake with cranberry and orange compote.
But food isn’t the only upgrade on offer. In 2025, Air Canada introduced fast, free Wi-Fi for Aeroplan Members on North American and Sun routes, sponsored by Bell. This tech boost comes alongside complimentary beer, wine, and premium snacks, including non-alcoholic Heineken 0.0. New Air Canada Cafés at Montréal-Trudeau and Vancouver domestic terminals provide a quieter space for pre-flight coffee or a quick bite, while the Air Canada mobile app delivers real-time updates on flight status, gate changes, and baggage tracking. A newer feature even introduces customers to the employees loading and unloading baggage, aiming for a more transparent and human travel experience during the high-pressure holiday period.
Families and travelers with accessibility needs remain a top priority for Air Canada. Assistance is available from contact center agents to cabin crews and baggage handlers, all in line with the airline’s three-year Accessibility Plan launched in 2023. The plan guides training and investment to make travel more inclusive, and it’s felt most acutely during the holidays, when the stakes—and the crowds—are highest. For younger travelers, the fun doesn’t stop at snacks. On December 25, children aged 12 and under on select routes may receive a Lindt teddy bear, and all passengers can choose from over 50 holiday-themed titles on the in-flight entertainment system, including classics like Home Alone and The Polar Express.
Meanwhile, south of the border, Syracuse Hancock International Airport is also bracing for one of its busiest holiday seasons on record. The peak travel period will run through January 5, 2026, with thousands of travelers expected to pass through the airport each day. December 19, 2025 is set to be the busiest travel day, with around 5,300 departing seats available—up from the typical 4,500 seats during the same period in previous years, according to Jason Terreri, Executive Director of the Syracuse Regional Airport Authority.
To manage the influx, Syracuse Hancock International has increased staffing at security checkpoints and enhanced customer service, ensuring that passengers’ needs are met promptly. Clear signage throughout the terminal guides travelers, while efforts to maintain short security wait times and provide ample seating are front and center. The airport’s focus on communication is evident: timely updates on flight status, airport amenities, and safety protocols are readily available, keeping passengers informed and at ease.
Travelers passing through Syracuse can enjoy a variety of amenities, including dining options ranging from fast food to sit-down restaurants, duty-free shopping, and lounges with Wi-Fi access. For families, designated play areas help pass the time before flights, and accessibility accommodations ensure that all travelers—including those with disabilities—can move through the airport with ease. Syracuse Hancock has also enhanced its digital infrastructure, offering free Wi-Fi, mobile charging stations, and real-time flight status tracking via its website and mobile app.
Holiday travel tips from the airport encourage passengers to arrive early—at least two hours before domestic flights and three hours for international departures—to allow for check-in, security screening, and any potential delays. Passengers are also urged to check their flight status frequently, especially as weather across the continent can impact schedules. Parking discounts and advance reservations are recommended, as both long-term and short-term lots are expected to fill quickly during this peak season.
Beyond the terminals, the economic impact of the holiday travel surge is significant. Increased passenger traffic at Syracuse Hancock International means more spending at airport shops, restaurants, and nearby hotels, supporting the local economy. As flights to and from Syracuse increase, the city and its businesses benefit from the added flow of visitors, boosting tourism and commerce in the region. The airport’s role as a regional hub continues to support not just travelers, but also the broader economic health of Syracuse and its surrounding communities.
As both Air Canada and Syracuse Hancock International Airport prepare for record-setting holiday crowds, it’s clear that the travel experience is evolving. With a mix of festive hospitality, technological innovation, and a renewed focus on customer care, the journey itself is becoming more enjoyable—even during the busiest time of year. For millions of passengers, that means a smoother, more memorable trip, whether they’re heading home for the holidays or setting off on new adventures.
