Best Airports to Fly From for Thanksgiving 2025: Save Time & Money

Thanksgiving 2025 is fast approaching, and millions of travelers are gearing up for one of the busiest travel weeks of the year. While most people focus on destinations, the airport you depart from can make a massive difference in your overall cost, time, and comfort.

If you’re trying to find the best airports to fly from for Thanksgiving, this guide breaks down where to start your journey, which airports consistently offer cheaper fares, and how to avoid the chaos of holiday crowds.

Why Your Departure Airport Matters for Thanksgiving Travel

Not all airports are created equal—especially during the holidays. Large hubs often see extreme congestion, delayed flights, and skyrocketing fares, while nearby regional airports can offer faster check-ins, cheaper parking, and lower prices.

Choosing the right departure airport can help you:

Save up to 25% on airfare

Spend less time in traffic and security lines

Have a smoother, less stressful travel experience

Top 10 Best Airports to Fly From for Thanksgiving 2025

Below is a curated list of airports that historically offer better Thanksgiving travel experiences, cheaper flights, and manageable crowds.

1. Baltimore/Washington International (BWI)

Why it’s great: Cheaper fares than Washington Dulles and Reagan National.
Average savings: Up to 20% on domestic routes.
Bonus tip: Perfect for travelers in D.C., Maryland, and Virginia looking to fly affordably across the East Coast or to Florida.

2. Oakland International Airport (OAK)

Why it’s great: Less crowded alternative to San Francisco International (SFO).
Average savings: $80–$120 per round trip compared to SFO.
Bonus tip: Ideal for Bay Area residents—easy parking and shorter TSA lines.

3. Dallas Love Field (DAL)

Why it’s great: Southwest Airlines’ hub means tons of direct, affordable flights.
Average savings: 15–25% versus DFW on major domestic routes.
Bonus tip: Great for flexible travelers booking short, last-minute Thanksgiving getaways.

4. Chicago Midway International (MDW)

Why it’s great: Smaller, more efficient alternative to O’Hare.
Average savings: Roughly 20% cheaper for domestic Thanksgiving routes.
Bonus tip: Choose early-morning flights to skip peak congestion.

5. Orlando Sanford International (SFB)

Why it’s great: Major holiday hub with low-cost carriers like Allegiant Air.
Average savings: 30% cheaper on select East Coast routes.
Bonus tip: Convenient for travelers heading to Disney or Central Florida Thanksgiving events.

6. Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International (FLL)

Why it’s great: Often cheaper than Miami International.
Average savings: $100+ on flights to the Caribbean or Central America.
Bonus tip: Perfect for travelers seeking a warm Thanksgiving vacation.

7. Denver International Airport (DEN)

Why it’s great: Competitive pricing and multiple airline options.
Average savings: 10–15% compared to other central U.S. hubs.
Bonus tip: Great for Thanksgiving ski trips in Colorado and Utah.

8. Nashville International Airport (BNA)

Why it’s great: Lower average fares and expanding route network.
Average savings: Consistent price drops on Southwest and Delta routes.
Bonus tip: Smaller crowds, friendly staff, and a central location make it perfect for family travelers.

9. Austin-Bergstrom International (AUS)

Why it’s great: Rapidly growing hub with good Thanksgiving pricing trends.
Average savings: Up to 15% compared to Houston airports.
Bonus tip: Excellent airport amenities for long layovers.

10. Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)

Why it’s great: West Coast hub with competitive Thanksgiving pricing.
Average savings: Strong for domestic and Canada routes.
Bonus tip: Fly out early morning Thanksgiving Day to skip crowds and score discounts.

Bonus: Hidden Gem Regional Airports

If you’re open to driving an extra hour, these smaller airports can yield huge savings during Thanksgiving week:

Providence (PVD) – Cheaper than Boston Logan.

Milwaukee (MKE) – Avoids O’Hare congestion.

Tampa-St. Pete (PIE) – Great alternative to TPA.

Manchester (MHT) – Less crowded option for New England travelers.

Many travelers overlook these secondary airports, but they often host low-cost carriers that operate exclusive Thanksgiving flight deals.

How to Choose the Right Airport for You

When comparing airports, factor in these key elements beyond just ticket price:

1. Ground Transportation Costs

A cheaper flight may not be worth it if the airport is 60 miles away and requires expensive parking or rideshare fees.

2. Flight Availability

Major airports have more options but may cost more. Smaller airports offer lower fares but limited schedules—check flexibility first.

3. Delay Statistics

Some airports are notorious for Thanksgiving delays due to weather and congestion (especially Chicago O’Hare, Newark, and JFK).

4. Parking Rates

Choose airports with cheaper long-term parking. Savings here can reach $50–$100 per trip.

Pro Tips to Save Even More

Book early morning flights for better on-time rates.

Travel light to avoid checked baggage fees during the holiday rush.

Sign up for price alerts to track your preferred departure airport weeks ahead.

Use flight search filters like “Nearby Airports” on Google Flights to compare options.

Mix and match airlines—fly one carrier outbound, another inbound for best rates.

Pair Your Airport with a Great Thanksgiving Destination

Once you’ve picked your departure airport, choose a destination that offers great experiences without overpaying.

Departure Airport Recommended Destination Thanksgiving Vibe
BWI (Baltimore) Orlando, FL Family getaways
MDW (Chicago Midway) Nashville, TN Music and culture
DAL (Dallas Love) Denver, CO Mountain adventure
FLL (Fort Lauderdale) Cancun, MX Warm beach Thanksgiving
SEA (Seattle) San Francisco, CA Urban escape

These combinations often offer lower fares and unique Thanksgiving experiences.

FAQ: Flying Smart During Thanksgiving 2025

Which U.S. airport is cheapest to fly from during Thanksgiving?
Baltimore (BWI) and Dallas Love Field (DAL) typically offer the best domestic deals.

Are smaller airports worth the drive?
Yes. Even with the extra driving distance, smaller airports can reduce total trip costs by 15–30%.

When should I arrive at the airport?
At least 2.5–3 hours before departure during Thanksgiving week to handle lines and security delays.

Which days are least crowded?
Flying on Thanksgiving morning (Nov 27) or Saturday after Thanksgiving is ideal.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the best airport to fly from for Thanksgiving 2025 can transform your travel experience. Instead of fighting long lines, high prices, and flight chaos, you’ll save time, money, and stress—all before you even take off.

By being flexible, comparing nearby airports, and booking early, you can secure low-cost Thanksgiving airfare and focus on what matters most: celebrating the holiday with family and friends.