If you haven't booked your Thanksgiving flight yet, please read this article all the way through. Just choosing the right date can significantly change the time you spend at the airport.

This year, Thanksgiving falls on Thursday, November 26. The issue is that the days surrounding it are all peak travel days.

First, let's look at last year's records. On the Sunday following Thanksgiving in 2025, November 30, the TSA processed 3,133,924 travelers at checkpoints nationwide.

That was the highest single-day record in TSA history. I was honestly surprised when I saw the numbers.

Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson Airport has it even tougher. According to last year's Hopper analysis, it was ranked as the busiest airport in the U.S. during the Thanksgiving period.

The airport projected over 4 million travelers during last year's holiday period. They identified Monday, December 1, as the busiest day, expecting around 375,000 travelers that day.

However, there's a confusing point here. The day with the most flights may not be the same as the day with the longest security lines.

This is due to the high volume of connecting passengers at ATL. Connecting passengers do not go through security again.

So last year, the TSA predicted that Sunday, November 30, would be the busiest day for security checks in Atlanta. They estimated that nearly 104,000 travelers would pass through the checkpoints that day.

The pattern was similar in 2024. The highest number of travelers passing through ATL security was again on the Sunday following Thanksgiving.

Now, let's apply this to this year's calendar. The number one day to avoid is Sunday, November 29.

The second day to avoid is Monday, November 30. Based on the number of flights, this day could actually be busier.

On the departure side, be cautious of Wednesday, November 25. As the day before the holiday, the airport will be crowded from the afternoon into the evening.

On the other hand, there are definitely days that will be less crowded. Thanksgiving Day and the following Friday are generally quite calm.

Of course, if you take a morning flight that day, you might be pressed for time to cook the turkey. Still, if your family can coordinate schedules, I highly recommend this option.

For your return trip, consider pushing it to Saturday or the following Tuesday instead of Sunday. A one-day difference can often lower both ticket prices and stress levels. If adding an extra day of vacation feels burdensome, it might be worth asking if remote work is an option.

If you're driving to the airport, be prepared for Wednesday afternoon. The highways leading to the airport will already start to get congested with holiday traffic, so it's best to allow extra time for your journey.

Let's also talk about timing. Don't assume that early mornings are always quiet.

Right before Thanksgiving in 2023, ATL recorded its busiest morning rush ever, with maximum wait times extending to 37 minutes. Reports indicated that even before 7 AM on Wednesday, people were waiting 15 to 30 minutes in line.

That said, I'm not suggesting you avoid early flights altogether. In my experience, the first flights tend to have fewer cascading delays, which makes for a more relaxed experience.

However, if you do take an early flight, make sure to allow plenty of time to arrive at the airport. They recommend arriving 2.5 hours before domestic flights and 3 hours before international flights.

I've also compiled a few practical tips you can use on-site. Be sure to check the real-time security wait times on the official ATL website before you depart.

Wait times can vary significantly at different terminal checkpoints. Don't just stick to the main checkpoint; walking to a less crowded one can often save you time.

If you have TSA PreCheck, it really pays off during a season like this. If you don't have it yet, consider applying ahead of the next holiday.

Also, think about parking in advance. During the holidays, airport parking lots fill up quickly, so switching to rideshare or family pickup can be a practical solution.

Try to limit your luggage to just one carry-on if possible. Avoiding the line at the checked baggage counter can significantly reduce your perceived wait time.

Weather factors can't be ignored either. Last year, winter storms caused cancellations, and even if Atlanta's weather is clear, the weather in connecting cities can disrupt your plans.

Make sure to enable airline app notifications. Your phone is ultimately the best way to receive the first alerts about gate changes or delays.

One last point to note: as of now, the TSA and airport have not yet released the official holiday forecasts for 2026.

They typically announce these between mid to late November, so don't forget to check again right before your departure. The dates I've outlined today are based on patterns from last year and the year before.

Holiday travel at the airport is tough for everyone. However, those who gather a bit more information will definitely have a less stressful experience.

If it were me, I would absolutely avoid Wednesday afternoon and Sunday. I hope you all can spend more time at the table this year instead of waiting in line.