Holiday travel is looking increasingly dicey as the shutdown drags on

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Wednesday, November 5th 2025 at 5:37 GMT by Business Insider

Flight Delays, Shutdowns, and Holiday Travel: What 2025 Thanksgiving and Christmas Will Look Like

Every year, the United States sees a surge of travelers heading to family, friends, and holiday destinations. While the promise of holiday spirit and the opportunity to reunite with loved ones keeps millions on board, it also creates logistical nightmares for airlines, airports, and the travelers themselves. Business Insider’s November 2025 coverage pulls together the latest data, expert commentary, and real‑world implications to paint a detailed picture of what to expect during Thanksgiving and Christmas travel periods.

1. Forecasted Delay Numbers and Airport Impact

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s most recent airline performance data, holiday travel in 2025 is projected to add roughly 20% more delays than the baseline for a typical week. Business Insider reports that LAX, JFK, and ORD are expected to see the highest average delay times, with JFK projected to average over 50 minutes during the Thanksgiving weekend alone. Smaller regional hubs, such as Dublin, GA (DUB) and Raleigh–Durham (RDU), will experience delays close to 30 minutes on average.

The data also indicates a 15% increase in flight cancellations during the peak holiday window. Notably, airlines like United, Delta, and American are all projected to cancel roughly 5–7% of their flights over the 11‑day holiday stretch (Thanksgiving through Christmas), a figure that historically correlates with the busiest periods in airline history.

2. Why the Holidays Are So Troubling for Airlines

The article breaks down the principal drivers behind the spike in delays:

• Crew Scheduling Constraints: With mandatory rest periods, airlines struggle to find crews that can cover the heightened volume of flights without violating labor agreements. This often leads to “crew shortages” that can cascade into multiple gate changes or cancellations.

• Weather‑Related Disruptions: Thanksgiving and Christmas fall squarely in the cold‑weather season. Snowstorms, icy runways, and fog are the main culprits, especially in the Midwest and Northeast. The Business Insider piece cites the FAA’s Winter Weather Forecast, noting that the Central US region is predicted to see “significant snow events” during the Thanksgiving weekend.

• Air Traffic Congestion: Major hubs like ATL and DEN are notorious for their congestion. The increased volume of passenger traffic means more flights compete for limited slot times, especially in the late evening and overnight hours.

• Maintenance and Operational Bottlenecks: Airlines report that the holiday season often overlaps with routine maintenance schedules that cannot be postponed, forcing aircraft to be grounded for longer periods and creating a “queue” effect at airports.

3. The Ripple Effects on Travelers

Business Insider’s investigation included a series of passenger testimonials. Many cited the frustration of missed connections, the difficulty in rebooking last‑minute flights, and the emotional toll of waiting in airport lounges for extended periods. Key points from the travel perspective include:

• Early Check‑Ins: Airlines are urging passengers to check in at least 24 hours before departure and to be prepared for possible gate changes or rerouting. The article highlights how several carriers now offer “real‑time gate change notifications” via SMS and app alerts.

• Alternative Routing Options: Airlines are proactively suggesting “secondary airports” for passengers whose primary flights are canceled. For example, travelers bound for Miami may be rerouted via Orlando if flights are overbooked.

• Travel Insurance: A section of the article advises travelers to consider coverage that specifically includes “flight cancellation or delay” benefits, citing a recent uptick in claim filings.

4. Industry Response and Mitigation Strategies

In addition to the statistical analysis, Business Insider reports on how the airlines and the FAA are working together to reduce holiday travel disruptions:

• Slot Management Initiatives: The FAA is experimenting with “dynamic slot allocation” in major hubs to allow more flexibility during peak periods. This will give airlines the chance to adjust flight times on the fly.

• Enhanced Ground Operations: Many carriers are deploying additional ground crew teams to speed up baggage handling, reduce turnaround times, and lower the risk of cascading delays.

• Collaborative Weather Forecasting: Airlines are investing in more advanced meteorological data feeds to predict weather disruptions before they materialize. The article includes an interview with a Delta meteorologist who explains how “now‑casting” tools can predict localized fog pockets minutes before take‑off.

5. Economic and Social Implications

The piece also touches on the broader economic impact. Airlines estimate that the holiday travel bump will generate $8–10 billion in ticket sales, but the cost of delays—lost productivity, increased fuel usage, and passenger dissatisfaction—could offset a portion of this revenue. Moreover, a 2024 study cited by Business Insider linked significant delay periods to a rise in flight‑related stress among travelers, which can have downstream health implications.

6. Practical Tips for 2025 Holiday Travelers

The article concludes with a set of actionable steps for passengers:

1. Book Early: Secure tickets at least 45 days before the travel date.
2. Monitor Flight Status: Use airline apps for real‑time updates and gate changes.
3. Arrive Early at the Airport: Aim for at least 3 hours before departure for domestic flights during peak holidays.
4. Pack Essentials in Carry‑On: In case of delays or cancellations, you’ll have key items at hand.
5. Consider Flexible Tickets: Many carriers now offer “free date changes” with no fee, a feature highlighted in the article.

7. Follow‑Up Resources

• FAA’s Official Holiday Travel Advisory: The Business Insider article links to a PDF that outlines the latest FAA guidance on airport operations during winter weather.
• Airline Performance Dashboard: A live link to the DOT’s website shows real‑time delay statistics for each major hub.
• Customer Support Tools: Links to the major airlines’ customer service portals allow passengers to rebook or claim compensation.

In sum, Business Insider’s November 2025 report provides a comprehensive look at the impending travel chaos that accompanies Thanksgiving and Christmas in the United States. From data‑driven forecasts and weather analyses to passenger experiences and industry mitigation strategies, the article equips travelers, industry stakeholders, and policymakers with the knowledge needed to navigate this complex period. Whether you’re a holiday traveler bracing for delays or an airline executive planning operations, understanding the variables at play is essential for making the most of the season’s travel opportunities while minimizing its pitfalls.