Washington, D.C. | November 27, 2025 :
Thanksgiving 2025 kicked off with a surge of travel activity today as the American Automobile Association (AAA) projected a record 55 million Americans on the move—a 3% increase from last year. The massive turnout is putting heavy pressure on highways, airports, and rail networks nationwide, setting the stage for one of the busiest holiday travel periods in recent memory.
Major routes such as I-95 from Florida to New York were already showing signs of gridlock early in the day, while airlines prepared to handle more than 2.7 million passengers per day. Carriers including Delta and United added supplemental flights to manage the rush, and the TSA expects to screen over 17.8 million travelers between now and December 2.
Weather challenges are compounding the chaos, with storm systems forming across the Midwest and triggering a wave of travel advisories. Officials urged travelers to arrive early and leverage real-time navigation platforms like Waze to avoid the worst bottlenecks.
Despite the logistical strain, holiday traditions remain strong. Social media is filled with videos from “turkey trot” races in cities such as Detroit and Manhattan, while community centers continue to organize large-scale meals for underserved residents—symbolizing resilience in the years following the pandemic.
The Trump administration highlighted federal infrastructure investments as helping ease some transportation chokepoints, but critics argued that underfunded public transit systems still leave major gaps in equity and accessibility. Environmental advocates also raised concerns about the carbon footprint of record travel volumes, renewing calls for greener long-distance options such as high-speed rail.
Still, many families are embracing long-awaited reunions, emphasizing the emotional heart of Thanksgiving. Experts advise patience—and perhaps extra pie—as millions navigate the busiest holiday travel period in nearly two decades. For most Americans, the journey itself has become part of the shared adventure that defines the season.
