Thanksgiving Travel Surges to Record Levels as Storms, Airport Shortages Test U.S. Travelers

Travel across the United States has reached historic levels this Thanksgiving, with Americans hitting the road and skies in unprecedented numbers despite a combination of severe winter weather and ongoing aviation staffing challenges. According to AAA, a record 81.8 million people are traveling at least 50 miles from home, marking an increase of 1.6 million travelers compared with last year and confirming the continued strength of domestic tourism.

Airports are facing extraordinary pressure, as the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) prepares to screen nearly 3 million passengers in a single day. Major hubs such as Chicago O’Hare and Denver International Airport are operating under visible strain, still feeling the impact of recent federal staffing disputes. As a result, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has reduced flight volumes at key airports to maintain safety standards.

“We are seeing passenger volumes we haven't seen in two decades, colliding with infrastructure that is still playing catch-up,” said aviation analyst Sarah Jenkins. Airlines have responded by preemptively canceling hundreds of flights to prevent widespread operational breakdowns, leaving thousands of travelers searching for last-minute rebookings and navigating long delays.

Weather conditions have further complicated the picture, as a powerful winter storm system sweeps across the Midwest and Northeast. Heavy, “plowable” snow is forecast from Minneapolis to Buffalo, while an icy mix threatens major stretches of the I-95 corridor. For the roughly 73 million Americans driving, state police in New York and Pennsylvania have urged caution, advising extended following distances and reduced travel during peak evening hours.

Despite the operational chaos, the travel wave represents a major boost for the hospitality industry. Hotels in popular destinations such as Orlando, Las Vegas, and New York City are reporting near-100% occupancy rates, with room prices holding firm in the face of exceptional demand. The strong performance highlights the sector’s resilience and sustained consumer appetite for travel.

For the wider industry, these record-breaking figures confirm that the post-pandemic “revenge travel” phenomenon has evolved into a permanent trend of high mobility. Even amid weather disruptions, flight reductions, and infrastructure limitations, millions of Americans are choosing to travel, redefining the new normal for holiday movement across the country.