As Thanksgiving approaches in 2025, Americans are gearing up for what is expected to be the busiest holiday travel period on record. According to WOIO, AAA projects that 81.8 million people will journey at least 50 miles from home between Tuesday, November 25, and Monday, December 1. This number represents a 1.6 million increase over last year’s figures, signaling a remarkable resurgence in holiday travel after years of pandemic-related uncertainty and shifting travel patterns.
The enthusiasm for travel this season is palpable. NBC News also highlights the anticipated record highs for Thanksgiving holiday travel, with airports and highways bracing for a crush of activity. The surge is not just a blip; it’s a sign that Americans are eager to reconnect with loved ones and resume cherished traditions, even as they navigate the challenges that come with such massive movement across the country.
For travelers in the East North Central region—which includes states like Ohio—AAA forecasts an even sharper uptick in air travel. The organization predicts a 3.8% increase in the number of people taking to the skies, amounting to 1.2 million flyers during the Thanksgiving window. That’s a lot of folks packing their bags, checking their boarding passes, and crossing their fingers for smooth flights. And while the region’s airports will be bustling, Cleveland Hopkins International Airport is already seeing some travelers get a jump on the rush.
David Wagar, a passenger at Cleveland Hopkins, shared his own travel strategy with WOIO: “I did want to get there before let’s say Thursday. I am actually flying in a week and a half later.” Wagar made a point to catch his flight ahead of the main holiday wave, hoping to avoid the inevitable crowds. “That does make me very grateful that I am getting a head start instead of going with the crowd,” he said. His sentiment is echoed by many others who are adjusting their plans in hopes of a less stressful journey.
But not everyone is hitting the road or taking to the skies. John Brunn, a truck driver interviewed by WOIO, is opting to stay home for Thanksgiving this year. Still, he knows first-hand the perils that come with holiday travel. “Take your time. Keep your distance. Make sure you see your family and make it home to your family,” Brunn advised. His words serve as a gentle reminder for all travelers to prioritize safety, especially with the added complications of winter weather.
Speaking of weather, the 19 First Alert Weather Team has issued a forecast for possible lake-effect snow right around Thanksgiving. For those familiar with the Great Lakes region, lake-effect snow can turn a routine drive into a white-knuckle adventure, sometimes with little warning. The prospect of snow is already prompting some would-be travelers to reconsider their plans or, at the very least, to prepare for delays and detours. Brunn, with years of experience navigating treacherous roads, put it simply: “I’m a truck driver so I know all about driving so people need to take their time getting to where they need to go.”
Airports, too, are bracing for the onslaught. WOIO reports that Cleveland Hopkins International Airport is preparing for the holiday surge, though specific projections for passenger volume were still pending as of Tuesday. The airport’s staff are likely working overtime to ensure that everything—from security lines to baggage claim—runs as smoothly as possible. For travelers like Wagar, who are determined to beat the rush, such preparations are a welcome reassurance.
Across the country, the story is much the same. NBC News’s coverage underscores the national scale of the Thanksgiving travel phenomenon. The network’s video segment, which aired on November 23, 2025, paints a picture of packed terminals, bustling highways, and families reuniting from coast to coast. While the NBC report does not provide specific numbers, it leaves no doubt about the magnitude of the anticipated travel rush.
Why the surge now? Experts point to several factors. After years of pandemic-induced caution, many Americans are eager to make up for lost time with family and friends. There’s also a sense that the worst of the travel disruptions—think: flight cancellations, staffing shortages, and unpredictable restrictions—are finally behind us, at least for now. Add to that a relatively stable economic outlook and a strong desire for normalcy, and it’s easy to see why so many are taking to the roads and skies.
Of course, with record numbers comes a fair share of headaches. Traffic jams, long security lines, and weather delays are almost inevitable when so many people are on the move at once. Travelers are being urged to plan ahead, stay flexible, and pack their patience. Airports and airlines are ramping up staff and resources, but even the best-laid plans can go sideways when Mother Nature or sheer volume comes into play.
For those driving, the advice is straightforward: leave early, check the weather, and keep an eye on road conditions. For flyers, it’s all about arriving at the airport with plenty of time to spare and being ready for the unexpected. And for everyone, there’s the hope that the journey—however long or challenging—will be worth it when they finally sit down to Thanksgiving dinner surrounded by loved ones.
In the end, this year’s record-breaking travel rush is about more than numbers. It’s a testament to the enduring importance of family, tradition, and togetherness. As John Brunn put it, the goal is simple: “Make sure you see your family and make it home to your family.” So whether you’re braving the highways, navigating crowded airports, or staying put to avoid the chaos, the spirit of Thanksgiving endures—bringing people together, no matter how far they have to travel.
