Travel Flash Report

TRAVEL FLASH - November 27, 2025

Breaking: Thanksgiving Air Travel Surges to 15-Year High Amid Widespread Airport Disruptions

TOP 3 STORIES:

1. Record Holiday Travel Volume Strains US Aviation System — The FAA reports over 360,000 flights scheduled through December 1, with 16.9 million passengers expected to fly during the holiday week, marking the busiest Thanksgiving travel period in 15 years.[1] Travel professionals should prepare for extended processing times at major hubs, with LAX alone expecting 2.5 million travelers and Sunday projected as the single busiest day with 230,000+ terminal movements.[1]

2. Major Airport Disruptions Hit National Network on Thanksgiving Eve — Chicago O'Hare experienced the most severe impact with 34 cancellations and 868 delays, while Newark, JFK, Denver, LAX, and Miami collectively reported significant operational irregularities affecting thousands of passengers.[2] Airlines including SkyWest, Envoy Air, United, and Frontier contributed to the 52 total cancellations and 1,318 delays across surveyed airports, signaling potential cascading effects for rebooking and ground services.[2]

3. Private Jet Demand Spike Reflects Commercial Aviation Pressure — Following the recent government shutdown's impact on commercial operations, private jet bookings surged as affluent travelers sought alternatives to FAA-mandated flight reductions.[4] This trend underscores the bifurcated travel market and suggests sustained demand for premium aviation services during periods of commercial network stress.

Flash Insight: The convergence of record holiday travel demand with active operational disruptions creates a critical stress test for US aviation infrastructure, particularly at Midwest and East Coast hubs. Weather delays remain a secondary concern for specific regions including New York, Philadelphia, Houston, Memphis, and Dallas, requiring real-time monitoring through the holiday period. Travel professionals should advise clients to arrive 3+ hours early, pack light, and maintain direct airline communication as rebooking capacity becomes constrained across the network.

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Sources:
[1] https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2025-11-26/thanksgiving-holiday-air-travel-expected-to-hit-15-year-high
[2] https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/travel-chaos-throughout-us-as-skywest-envoy-air-frontier-united-airlines-and-more-cancel-53-flights-and-delay-1318-in-illinois-colorado-new-jersey-new-york-and-other-destinations/
[4] https://chestercountyindependent.com/premium/stacker/stories/private-jet-bookings-increased-during-the-government-shutdown-as-commercial-flights-were-cut-back,57801