Officials anticipate a record-breaking 2.2 million passengers will travel through Houston’s airports during this year’s Thanksgiving holiday travel period, which runs from Nov. 21 to Dec. 2.
Over the 12-day period, ten days are projected to see more than 175,000 travelers per day. Of the total passengers, 1.7 million are expected to pass through George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), while 500,000 will travel through William P. Hobby Airport (HOU), marking a 2% increase from 2023 and a 9% increase from 2022.
The busiest travel day is forecasted to be Sunday, Dec. 1, with an estimated 206,000 passengers. Other peak days include Friday, Nov. 22, with 205,000 travelers, and Sunday, Nov. 24, with 200,000.
Shift in Travel Patterns
Aixa Diaz, a spokesperson for AAA, noted a shift in travel trends around Thanksgiving.
“More people are now leaving on Tuesday before Thanksgiving instead of Wednesday, as many schools are closed on Wednesday. Families are also returning on Monday instead of Sunday to avoid historically heavy traffic,” Diaz explained.
Major airlines, including American, Delta, and United, are also preparing for their busiest Thanksgiving travel period on record.
Efforts to Manage Airport Congestion
To manage congestion at Bush Airport, officials have partnered with the Houston Police Department and other agencies for enhanced traffic control. Additionally, since November 2023, they have hired 30 extra employees to assist along IAH curbs.
Last Wednesday, an extra lane on North Terminal Road reopened at Bush Airport, increasing the number of lanes to four. Despite these efforts, officials advise travelers to plan for delays and arrive early.
Tips for Travelers
For those booking last-minute flights, Thanksgiving Day and Black Friday are expected to have the fewest travelers, with 117,000 and 159,000 passengers, respectively.
If you’re parking at the airport, officials recommend booking online at least 12 hours in advance. The Houston Airports app also allows travelers to reserve parking and check TSA wait times.
