Holiday Rush Expected to Be One of the Busiest in Years
As the Thanksgiving holiday weekend kicks off, Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is bracing for an estimated 2.5 million travelers, making it one of the busiest travel periods of 2025. Airport officials have warned passengers to arrive early, plan ahead for traffic congestion, and expect heightened security screenings.
According to the Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) authority, travel volumes this year are projected to surpass pre-pandemic levels, with passenger numbers peaking between Wednesday, November 27, and Sunday, December 1.
Record-Breaking Travel Surge
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) expects to screen more than 30 million passengers nationwide during the Thanksgiving period, setting a new record for U.S. air travel. At LAX alone, TSA agents are preparing for daily peaks exceeding 250,000 travelers, a 7% increase compared to 2024.
“We’re expecting one of the busiest Thanksgiving travel weeks we’ve ever seen,” said a spokesperson for LAWA. “Our teams are working around the clock to keep lines moving and ensure passengers reach their destinations safely and on time.”
Officials advise passengers to arrive at least three hours early for domestic flights and four hours for international departures.
Traffic, Parking, and Ground Transportation
To manage the expected surge, LAX has added extra traffic officers, expanded rideshare pickup zones, and introduced real-time parking availability updates through the airport’s mobile app.
Travelers are encouraged to use the LAX Economy Parking structure or public transit options such as the Metro K Line and FlyAway Bus service to avoid gridlock on Century Boulevard and Sepulveda Boulevard.
Airport officials also announced a temporary increase in shuttle frequency between terminals to assist passengers with tight connections.
Airlines and Weather Outlook
Major carriers including Delta, United, and Southwest Airlines have increased their flight schedules to accommodate demand, particularly on popular routes to New York, Chicago, and Dallas.
The National Weather Service (NWS) forecasts mild conditions for Southern California during the holiday week, although travelers are advised to monitor Midwest and East Coast storm systems that could cause ripple delays nationwide.
Security and Safety Measures
Given the anticipated crowds, TSA has deployed additional staff and advanced screening technology to reduce wait times. Travelers are reminded to follow updated carry-on rules, arrive with digital boarding passes, and check TSA PreCheck or CLEAR availability for faster processing.
“Patience is key,” said TSA regional director John Pierson. “Thanksgiving brings families together, but it also tests the limits of our infrastructure. Cooperation between travelers and staff is essential to keeping operations smooth.”
Tips for Stress-Free Travel
Airport and airline representatives offered several recommendations for travelers heading through LAX this Thanksgiving:
- Use mobile check-in to save time before arrival.
- Reserve parking online in advance to guarantee space.
- Pack smart — review TSA liquid and electronics policies.
- Monitor flight status frequently for delays or gate changes.
- Consider off-peak flights, such as Thanksgiving morning or late Friday evening, to avoid crowds.
Conclusion: A Test of LAX’s Holiday Preparedness
With 2.5 million passengers expected in just over a week, LAX faces a major logistical challenge that will test its post-pandemic recovery efforts and infrastructure upgrades. While the airport promises improved efficiency, travelers are urged to plan ahead and remain patient amid the inevitable congestion.
For continued updates on travel, technology, and business trends, visit StartupNews.FYI
