Your Complete Guide to Planning Thanksgiving Travel in 2025

Thanksgiving is one of the busiest travel times of the year, but it doesn’t have to be stressful. With a little smart planning, you can spend more time with your family (and the pumpkin pie) and less time stuck in lines or traffic. Whether you're flying across the country or road-tripping to Grandma’s house, here's how to make your Thanksgiving 2025 travel smooth, affordable, and (almost) stress-free.

1. Book Thanksgiving Travel Early — Like, Now

Thanksgiving flights and hotels sell out fast — and prices skyrocket the closer you get. Pro Tip: Aim to book flights and accommodations by early October at the latest. If you're hoping for a deal, consider traveling on Monday or Tuesday before Thanksgiving and returning on Friday instead of Sunday.

Bonus: Some airlines offer free flight changes now — book early, then adjust if needed!

2. Pick the Best Travel Days

Not all Thanksgiving travel days are created equal.

• Worst days to travel: Wednesday before and Sunday after Thanksgiving.

• Best days to travel: Monday or early Tuesday before, and Friday after Thanksgiving.

If you have a flexible schedule, you'll save money and stress by avoiding the peak rush.

Road trippers: Hit the road before noon on travel days to avoid bumper-to-bumper traffic.

3. Pack Smart and Light

Thanksgiving often means traveling with gifts, special outfits, or homemade treats — but don’t overpack! Some airlines charge steep fees for checked bags - thankfully, American Airlines doesn't charge for carry-ons! If you're driving, remember that car trunks fill up quickly.

Tips for packing light:

• Wear your bulkiest layers while traveling.

• Pack neutral clothing pieces you can mix and match.

• Ship gifts or heavy items ahead of time if possible.

4. Prepare for Airport Crowds

Thanksgiving week sees some of the longest TSA lines of the year. Helpful hacks:

• TSA PreCheck or CLEAR memberships are game changers if you travel often.

• Arrive at least 2–3 hours before your flight.

• Fly out of the Waynesville-St. Robert Regional Airport to avoid the parking hassle! We have plenty of spots and it's FREE!

Bring headphones, a book, or a podcast to make waiting easier.

5. Consider Alternative Airports

Sometimes flying out of or into a smaller airport can save you time, money, and hassle. For example, flying into Oakland instead of San Francisco, or Baltimore instead of Washington, D.C., might mean cheaper fares and fewer crowds.

Check the Waynesville-St. Robert Regional Airport — you might score better deals and you'll definitely have faster check-ins.

6. Have a Backup Plan

Winter weather can be unpredictable — especially in the Midwest and Northeast. Always have a Plan B:

• Travel insurance can save you $$$ if weather cancels or delays your trip.

• Download your airline’s app for real-time updates.

• If driving, check your route for potential road closures and have a backup plan ready.

Emergency car kit: blanket, snacks, flashlight, charger, and a small shovel if you’re heading into snowy areas.

7. Don't Forget Self-Care

Holiday travel can wear you down. Take care of yourself!

• Stay hydrated (especially when flying).

• Build extra time into your schedule to avoid feeling rushed.

• Pack your patience — and a few snacks!

Most importantly: Remember that a little delay or hiccup won’t ruin your holiday memories.

Final Thoughts:

With a bit of planning and the right mindset, Thanksgiving 2025 can be full of family, fun, and relaxation — not just stress and travel headaches. Book early, stay flexible, and give yourself grace. Safe travels, and Happy Thanksgiving!