As Thanksgiving 2025 approaches, millions of Americans are gearing up for what experts predict will be one of the most crowded travel weekends in recent memory. Following the end of a disruptive 43-day federal government shutdown on November 12, the nation’s travel infrastructure is scrambling to return to normalcy—just in time for the holiday rush. With nearly 82 million people expected to journey at least 50 miles from home this Thanksgiving, the United States is bracing for packed airports, congested highways, and a test of its newly restored travel systems, according to the BBC and Charlotte Observer.
During the shutdown, thousands of federal employees—including Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers and air traffic controllers—worked without pay. This led to severe staffing shortages, flight restrictions, and lengthy security lines at airports nationwide. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) responded by issuing an emergency order that temporarily restricted US airspace and mandated flight reductions, causing widespread delays and cancellations. Now, with the shutdown over and those restrictions lifted, the travel industry is racing to stabilize before the holiday onslaught.
US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy reassured travelers in a November 16 statement: “Controllers have returned to their posts and normal operations can resume.” Erik Hansen, vice president of government relations for the US Travel Association, echoed this optimism, telling the BBC, “We expect it to take a few days to get back to [normal for our] air travel system. But by the time we get to Thanksgiving, I think our system will be just as functional as it always is.”
Still, a "normal" Thanksgiving in the US means anything but calm. The American Automobile Association (AAA) forecasts nearly 82 million travelers—outpacing even the summer’s busiest holiday weekends. Of those, a staggering 73 million are expected to travel by car, with AAA projecting an additional 1.3 million vehicles on the roads compared to last year. “That number could end up being higher if some travelers decide to take road trips to avoid airports,” AAA spokesperson Aixa Diaz told the BBC.
For those hoping to beat the rush, AAA recommends leaving before noon on Tuesday, November 25, or before 11 a.m. on Wednesday, November 26. The return trip is expected to be busiest from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday, November 30. Their advice? Fill up with gas the day before departure and prepare for a classic American tradition: sitting in traffic on the way to a family feast.
Airports are bracing for the surge as well. Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT), one of the nation’s major hubs, is preparing for nearly 2 million passengers between November 20 and December 2—a figure about 10% lower than last year’s record but still a formidable challenge. Nearly 430,000 travelers are expected to go through CLT’s security checkpoints, representing a slight dip from 2024 but still a massive crowd. The busiest days at the airport are projected to be Saturday, November 29, and Monday, December 1, each with over 83,000 departing passengers. Sunday, November 30, is expected to see a whopping 178,000 total travelers.
More than 9,000 flight departures are scheduled at CLT during the 13-day travel period, with American Airlines operating 8,000 of them—comprising 90% of the airport’s flights. Ted Kaplan, CLT’s chief business and innovation officer, acknowledged the difficulties posed by the recent shutdown: “The recent federal shutdown certainly presented considerable challenges across the national aviation system and at this airport.” He added, “Our focus this season is on giving every traveler a safe and smooth trip. We’re working closely with our federal and airline partners to keep operations running smoothly and efficiently.”
The shutdown’s impact on Charlotte was significant. In October alone, the airport experienced over 5,000 delays and more than 80 cancellations. From November 1 through November 13, there were 3,065 delays and 547 cancellations, according to a Charlotte Observer review of FlightAware data. The shortage of air traffic controllers was so acute that the federal government mandated flight cutbacks at 40 major airports, including CLT. Air traffic controllers at Charlotte even received paychecks with zero dollars due to the shutdown, prompting members of the local Air Traffic Controllers Association to distribute flyers highlighting the workers’ hardships.
Despite these setbacks, airport officials are not anticipating significant disruptions during the Thanksgiving week. “I’m very glad that [the shutdown] did not extend any further,” Kaplan said. On the Wednesday following the government reopening, CLT reported just 36 delays and no cancellations by 5 p.m.—a welcome sign of recovery.
Travelers passing through Charlotte this year will also notice big changes. The airport recently completed a $608 million terminal lobby expansion, boasting more space, a 16-lane front to ease curbside traffic, and a glass canopy for weather protection. Security is now faster and more efficient, with three consolidated checkpoints and 21 lanes, including 11 automated ones. The expanded baggage claim, new escalators and elevators, and modernized ticket counters are all part of the airport’s “crown jewel” project, the centerpiece of a $4 billion capital investment to renovate and expand the facility. Renovations in Concourses D and E are ongoing, with completion expected by 2027, alongside plans for a new Fourth Parallel Runway and continued expansion of Concourse A.
Given the lingering unease from the shutdown, CLT is urging travelers to plan ahead. “We understand that some travelers may feel nervous after the shutdown,” Kaplan said. “And our message is simple, plan ahead and allow extra time. Check your flight status directly with the airline.” The airport’s “Don’t Wing It, Prepare to Fly!” guide offers tips on parking reservations, REAL ID requirements, and on-site amenities. Passengers are encouraged to book parking in advance and arrive at least two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international departures. Real-time updates on security wait times and shuttle services are available via the airport’s website and app.
Meanwhile, the broader travel industry faces long-term challenges. The US is already short nearly 3,000 air traffic controllers—a problem exacerbated by the shutdown and fears of job insecurity. “The fact that essential workers had to work for 43 days without pay, that’s not going to inspire you to sign up for what could be a great career in air traffic control,” Hansen told the BBC. He hopes that with the shutdown behind them, the FAA can focus on hiring and improving the travel experience for all.
For those stuck at the airport on Turkey Day, there’s a silver lining: classic holiday meals will be available at select restaurants in Charlotte’s terminal. As Americans across the country hit the roads and skies to reunite with loved ones, the hope is that the only thing they’ll need to worry about is whether the cranberry sauce made it to the table.
