These are the busiest Thanksgiving travel days at DFW Airport this year
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- DFW expects about 3 million travelers between Nov. 20 and Dec. 3, 2025.
- Peak DFW days: Nov. 21, Nov. 26, Nov. 29, and Nov. 30 — the busiest, at 269,000 people.
- Arrive earlier: add 60-90 minutes to standard check-in to offset traffic and construction.
The Federal Aviation Administration recently ended all airspace restrictions on flights that were previously in effect because of the government shutdown, but Thanksgiving air travel in North Texas will still be crowded.
Fliers should prepare for heavy traffic during the holiday weekend due to a surplus of customers, DFW Airport said in a news release Thursday, Nov. 20.
DFW Airport is expecting an estimated 3 million travelers between Nov. 20 and Dec. 3, according to the release.
And Dallas Love Field is expecting a bit more than 320,000 travelers from Nov. 24-Dec. 2, according to an email from Dallas Love. Last year, Dallas Love had more than 360,000 travelers during the same time frame.
If you are flying out of DFW or Dallas Love Field, here’s what you should be prepared for.
Which days will be the busiest over Thanksgiving weekend?
The busiest days for travel at DFW will be Friday, Nov. 21; Wednesday, Nov. 26; Saturday, Nov. 29; and Sunday, Nov. 30, according to the release.
However, the busiest time at DFW is projected to be the evening of Nov. 30, as travelers return home from the holiday weekend. An estimated 269,000 fliers will pass through DFW Airport that day, the airport said.
Last year, officials told Star-Telegram news partner WFAA about 292,000 customers passed through the airport on the Sunday after Thanksgiving, causing a major traffic jam.
Travel tips for fliers at DFW Airport, Dallas Love
DFW Airport recommends fliers arrive even earlier than normal this Thanksgiving. The regular rule of thumb is to arrive at the airport at least two hours before a domestic flight and three hours before an international flight. But DFW Airport officials said customers should add on another hour to 90 minutes to that timeframe to account for traffic at the airport.
Heavy traffic is also expected at Terminal C because of construction.
If you want to avoid all the traffic, may we suggest taking the train directly to the airport terminal?
You should always check the app of the airline you’re flying to get up-to-date information on gate changes and flight delays, but DFW Airport and Dallas Love also have apps customers can use for parking, terminal and other airport information.
How long are the TSA wait times at DFW Airport and Dallas Love?
Check TSA wait times at the links below.
Dallas Love Field TSA wait times
How can I check my flight status at DFW Airport and Dallas Love?
Check flight status at the links below.
Dallas Love Field flight status
