thanksgiving 2025 — Thanksgiving 2025 airline capacity is anticipated to see a modest increase, with 20.3 million domestic seats available across the U.S. As the holiday draws near, low-cost carriers are driving much of this growth, bringing renewed hope to travellers eager to connect with loved ones.
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Thanksgiving 2025: Getting Ready for Thanksgiving Travel
As the holiday approaches, airlines are shedding the operational disruptions that marked the earlier part of the season. With carriers gearing up for what is arguably one of the busiest travel weeks of the year, a sense of cautious optimism fills the air. According to OAG Chief Analyst John Grant, this year’s increase in domestic capacity represents a slight uptick from the 20 million seats available during Thanksgiving week in 2024.
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Low-Cost Carriers Take the Lead
The surge in available seats is largely attributed to low-cost carriers (LCCs). Breeze Airways stands out with an impressive 34% increase in capacity compared to last year. Southwest Airlines, on the other hand, is adding approximately 200,000 seats, marking the most significant absolute increase among U.S. airlines. Other players in the LCC arena, such as JetBlue, Allegiant, and Frontier, are also upping their game, each increasing capacity by over 5%. This heightened competition is good news for budget-conscious travellers looking to secure affordable flights.
International Travel Trends
While domestic travel sees a robust expansion, international capacity is growing at a more tempered pace, with only a 2% increase compared to last Thanksgiving. United Airlines is leading the charge among U.S. carriers, contributing an additional 37,000 seats, which translates to a 9% year-on-year growth. Latin American airlines are also witnessing a strong performance; Avianca has expanded its capacity by 19%, adding 9,000 seats, while Volaris sees a 9% growth by increasing its offering by 7,400 seats. Mexico stands out as the largest international market during this period, boasting over half a million scheduled seats.
Challenges in Connectivity
In contrast, Canadian connectivity is facing challenges. Air Canada has reduced capacity by 11% for the Thanksgiving week, and WestJet has cut its U.S. capacity by 12%, leading to a total decrease of nearly 27,000 seats in the U.S.-Canada market. Interestingly, United Airlines is bucking the trend with a 10% increase in capacity to Canadian destinations, offering some hope for travellers looking to cross the border.
What This Means for Travellers
As the airline landscape shifts, the overall capacity for Thanksgiving travel appears to remain broadly in line with 2024 levels. For travellers, this means that while options may be plentiful, the emphasis should also be placed on operational reliability. If airlines can maintain stable operations and avoid weather-related disruptions, the Thanksgiving travel period could unfold smoothly.
For those planning their trips, now is the time to start booking. With the increased capacity, it’s advisable to keep an eye on flight prices, as they may fluctuate as the holiday approaches. Being proactive can help secure the best deals, especially with LCCs expanding their routes.
As you prepare for your Thanksgiving adventures, whether visiting family or exploring new destinations, the promise of increased airline capacity offers a glimmer of hope for a joyful holiday experience.
