Thanksgiving week is the time of year when the whole family travels together. It is also when airports are at their fullest. The Sunday after Thanksgiving 2025 became the busiest day in TSA history, with more than 3.1 million people screened. If you’re planning Thanksgiving Travel With Kids then this one’s for you. 

With children, that crowd feels bigger. There are strollers to fold, bags to watch, little ones to keep close and a gate that always seems to be at the far end of the terminal. Here is what to expect this Thanksgiving, and how a personal greeter helps your family move through the airport at ease.

What to Expect at the Airport This Thanksgiving

The Sunday after is the busiest day. In 2025, TSA screened 3,133,924 people on the Sunday after Thanksgiving, a new all-time record. This year that Sunday falls on November 29. The days just before the holiday are busy too, while Thanksgiving Day itself is usually much quieter.

Adults need a REAL ID or a passport. For domestic flights, every adult needs a REAL ID-compliant license, a passport or another accepted ID. Travelers without an acceptable ID pay a $45 fee.

Children under 18 do not need ID to fly within the US. Your airline may still have its own rules, so check before you go. If your family is flying abroad, every child needs a valid passport.

TSA PreCheck covers your children. Children 17 and under can join a parent or guardian with PreCheck at no extra cost. Teens 13 to 17 need the PreCheck indicator on their boarding pass, so book everyone on the same reservation.

Many families fly abroad. Thanksgiving week is a favorite time for international family trips. At Royal, most of the families we welcome that week land in or depart from New York, London, Rome and Los Angeles.

How Meet and Greet Helps Families

With Royal Airport Concierge, your greeter welcomes you at the airport and stays with your family through the terminal. One less thing to manage while you keep an eye on the kids.

Departure. Your greeter welcomes you at the curb. We help with check-in and your bags, escort you through security and guide you to the lounge or your gate.

Arrival. Your greeter welcomes you at the aircraft or the closest permitted point. We escort you through passport control and customs, help collect your bags and walk you to your driver.

Connection. Your greeter welcomes you as you land. We escort you through transit formalities and terminal changes, and guide your family gate to gate.

Your bags. We take care of your bags so you can take care of your family. Your greeter assists with up to three standard-size bags, and we can coordinate a porter for more (additional fee).

Fast track at selected airports. When we send your estimate, we confirm what applies at your airport.

Planning Tips for Parents

1. Book early. We recommend booking at least 48 hours before your flight, and earlier for Thanksgiving week. Short-notice availability is limited, and your booking is confirmed once a greeter is assigned.
2. Check every passport. For trips abroad, each child needs a valid passport. Look at expiration dates now, not the night before.
3. Put everyone on one reservation. It keeps the family together at check-in and helps your teens use PreCheck with you.
4. Tell us who is traveling. Children’s ages, a stroller, a car seat, how many bags. The more we know, the better we prepare.
5. Request a wheelchair from your airline. If a grandparent or anyone in your group needs one, request it directly with the airline. Your greeter makes sure it is ready.
6. Avoid the return rush if you can. If your dates are flexible, flying home on Saturday instead of Sunday usually means calmer terminals.

Thanksgiving Travel With Kids: Frequently Asked Questions

What is the busiest day to fly over Thanksgiving? The Sunday after Thanksgiving. In 2025 it was the busiest day in TSA history. This year it falls on November 29.

Do my children need ID to fly? Not for domestic flights within the US if they are under 18, though airlines may have their own rules. For international trips, every child needs a passport.

Can my kids use TSA PreCheck with me? Yes. Children 17 and under can join a parent or guardian with PreCheck. Teens 13 to 17 need the PreCheck indicator on their boarding pass.

Can the greeter help with a stroller and car seat? Tell us what you are bringing when you book. Your greeter assists with up to three standard-size bags, and we can coordinate a porter for more.

How far ahead should I book? At least 48 hours before your flight. For Thanksgiving week, the earlier the better.

What if our flight is delayed? Our team follows your flight in real time and adjusts your greeter’s timing. Our cancellation policy applies to changes made close to the service.

Departure Day: One Less Thing to Worry About

Thanksgiving is about being together. Your greeter welcomes your family at the airport and escorts you through the terminal, so the holiday starts before you board. Tell us your flight, and we will send your estimate.

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