Thanksgiving Travel Sets New TSA Record Despite Winter Storm Disruptions

Thanksgiving travel surged to historic levels this year, with the Transportation Security Administration screening more passengers than ever before despite widespread winter storm cancellations. TSA officials confirmed that Sunday’s traffic set a new all-time record, surpassing the previous peak of 3.09 million travelers recorded in June.

Severe weather across multiple regions led to hundreds of flight delays and cancellations, yet storms did little to dampen holiday demand. Airports remained crowded throughout the long weekend as travelers pushed through disruptions to reach their destinations.

In total, the 2025 Thanksgiving travel period shattered expectations. TSA screened 3,133,924 passengers on Sunday alone, the highest number ever recorded in a single day. The surge in air travel came even as winter storms swept across large portions of the country, straining airline operations and forcing schedule adjustments. But traveler volumes remained strong, with terminals packed nationwide.

Federal forecasting agencies had already predicted a record-breaking season. The Federal Aviation Administration projected more than 360,000 flights during the Thanksgiving window, calling it the busiest air travel period in 15 years. Meanwhile, the American Automobile Association estimated that 81.8 million people would travel at least 50 miles over the holiday, setting a new national record for Thanksgiving mobility.

Despite weather-related challenges, the robust turnout underscores the continued resilience of U.S. travel demand heading into the winter holiday season.

Busiest Airports Under Pressure

Some of the top U.S. airports handled disproportionately high volumes this Thanksgiving, contributing to congested terminals and long wait times. According to data from aviation analytics firms, the 10 busiest hubs included:

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD)
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT)
Denver International Airport (DEN)
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
Seattle–Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
Harry Reid International Airport (LAS)
LaGuardia Airport (LGA)

These regional hubs traditionally see major surges during the holiday period, and this year they faced especially heavy passenger traffic.

Demand Resilient, But Airlines & Passengers Facing Strain

Despite the severe weather and disruptions, the sustained demand underscores the resilience of U.S. air travel. Many travelers remained committed to holiday plans, enforcing busy checkpoints and crowded terminals across the country.

However, airlines and airports are under pressure. Staff are stretched thin, and the accumulated strain from de-icing procedures, delays, and cancellations added friction to what is already the busiest period of the year. Some airports, particularly in the Midwest and Great Lakes region, reported concentrated flight disruptions.

Analysts say this is a sign of a broader rebound across the aviation sector. After several years of volatility, high travel demand — combined with strong airline scheduling — suggests the industry is returning to stable, peak-level performance. The FAA’s flights projection and TSA’s screening numbers confirm that the post-pandemic recovery is not only ongoing, but accelerating.

For travelers, the takeaway is clear: expect crowds, long security lines, and possible delays — but don’t count on storms or canceled flights to dampen holiday travel plans.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, Barrons.com, FAA.gov, Reuters.com