Thanksgiving falls on Thursday, November 26, 2026. For anyone flying out of New York, that week opens the busiest stretch of the travel year, and it runs into the first days of January. A JFK Meet and Greet will not make the crowds smaller. It changes how you move through them: someone meets you, takes care of the details and stays with you through the terminal.

Here is what last season looked like, what to plan for this year and how our team helps on departure day.

How busy holiday travel gets

Last year set records across the country, and New York was at the center of it.

• A national record. On Sunday, November 30, 2025, the TSA screened about 3,133,924 people, the most it has ever screened in a single day.
• A very full airport. JFK handled 62.6 million passengers in 2025, its second-busiest year ever.
• A long holiday peak. Between December 22, 2025 and January 4, 2026, JFK served about 2.5 million passengers.

The pattern is clear. The Sunday after Thanksgiving and the days around Christmas and New Year’s are when the airport feels fullest.

The departure days to plan for in 2026

If this year follows last year, these are the dates to plan around:

• Sunday, November 29. The Sunday after Thanksgiving was last year’s busiest day in the country.
• The days before Thanksgiving. If you leave that week, book your Meet and Greet early.
• The weeks before Christmas and New Year’s. At Royal Airport Concierge, December is one of our busiest months at New York airports.

If your dates are flexible, avoiding the Sunday after Thanksgiving can make the day easier. If they are not, plan your timing and your help in advance.

What is different at JFK this season

JFK is in the middle of a major rebuild. A new Terminal 6 is opening in phases, with full completion planned for 2028. The New Terminal One is now expected to open in early 2027.

Construction at a working airport can mean changed drop-off areas and longer walks. Before you leave home, check your terminal and allow extra time to get there.

JFK Meet and Greet: What a Meet and Greet does on departure day

A Meet and Greet gives you one person who handles the airport with you, from the moment you arrive at the terminal.

• A greeter meets you on arrival at the terminal and stays with you.
• Help with luggage and check-in, so you are not managing bags, documents and children at the same time.
• Escort through the terminal to security and on toward your gate.
• Fast track where it is offered. Fast track lanes exist at selected airports only. When they are not available, your greeter stays with you in line.
• Support for travelers who need more time. If you need a wheelchair, request it from your airline. Your greeter makes sure the wheelchair you requested is ready when you arrive.

This is especially helpful for families traveling with children, older parents flying to see relatives, travelers with a lot of luggage and groups who want to stay together.

We also serve departures from Newark (EWR) and LaGuardia (LGA), so the same help is available wherever your trip starts.

How to book for Thanksgiving and December

• Book early. Short-notice availability is limited in peak weeks. We confirm your service once a greeter is assigned.
• Have your details ready. Flight number, terminal, number of travelers and bags help us plan the right support.
• No charge until the service is done. We place a hold on your card and charge it only once your service is completed.

If you are flying out of JFK this Thanksgiving or in December, you can get an instant quote for your Meet and Greet.

FAQ 

When is Thanksgiving 2026? Thanksgiving is Thursday, November 26, 2026.

What was the busiest day for air travel last Thanksgiving? Sunday, November 30, 2025. The TSA screened about 3,133,924 people that day, its highest single-day total ever.

How many passengers does JFK handle? JFK handled 62.6 million passengers in 2025, its second-busiest year on record.

Does a JFK Meet and Greet include fast track? Fast track lanes exist at selected airports only. When fast track is not available, your greeter stays with you through security and the terminal.

Can I book a Meet and Greet at the last minute? Short-notice availability is limited, especially in holiday weeks. We confirm your service once a greeter is assigned, so booking early is best.

When is my card charged? We place a hold on your card and charge it only once your service is completed.

Can my greeter arrange a wheelchair? Please request a wheelchair directly from your airline. Your greeter makes sure the wheelchair you requested is ready when you arrive.