UPDATE: This Thanksgiving week is set to break travel records, with more than 73 million people projected to travel at least 50 miles from home between November 25 and December 1. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has scheduled an unprecedented 360,000 flights from November 24 to December 2, marking the busiest Thanksgiving travel period in 15 years.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) anticipates screening over 17.8 million travelers at U.S. airports this week. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy confirmed at a news conference that air traffic controller staffing has stabilized just in time for this surge, highlighting the urgency of travel preparations.
Tuesday is expected to be the FAA’s busiest day, with more than 52,000 flights on the schedule. Notably, Oklahoma City’s Will Rogers International Airport is already seeing significant traffic. On Monday, 6,753 passengers boarded flights, with another 7,158 travelers passing through security checkpoints by noon on Tuesday. The airport is preparing for additional traffic from Louisiana State University (LSU) fans returning home after a football game.
“Sunday and Monday will be particularly busy as LSU fans try to get home after the game,” said airport spokeswoman Stacey Hamm.
Weather conditions could impact travel plans significantly. The Weather Channel warns of potential flooding rain and severe thunderstorms affecting airports in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and Houston. By Monday evening, over 1,000 flights into and out of Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport were delayed, and more than 100 flights had been canceled, according to FlightAware.
On the ground, AAA reports that highway traffic is set to swell as well, with 1.3 million more travelers taking to the roads compared to last year. The day before Thanksgiving is typically the busiest for drivers, with traffic in major metropolitan areas increasing by over 50% on Wednesday afternoon.
In Oklahoma, AAA estimates that 696,217 residents will travel at least 50 miles this Thanksgiving, with 92% opting to drive. Oklahomans will benefit from the lowest gas prices in the nation, averaging $2.49 per gallon of regular unleaded gasoline, a slight decrease of 3 cents from last year.
Nationwide, AAA anticipates a staggering 73.3 million people will hit the roads for the holiday, an increase of 1.3 million travelers compared to 2024. The organization also reported that last year, their emergency roadside service crews responded to 4,300 calls during the Thanksgiving period, primarily due to vehicle breakdowns, dead batteries, and tire issues.
With all eyes on travel updates, drivers are encouraged to check the Oklahoma Department of Transportation website for real-time information on road conditions and construction.
This Thanksgiving travel surge is unprecedented, and officials are emphasizing safety and preparedness as millions set out to celebrate with loved ones. As travel continues to ramp up, stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.
