Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport (BTR) is preparing for a significant increase in passenger traffic during the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday period. Officials anticipate approximately 11,000 travelers will pass through the airport between November 21 and December 1, marking a notable rise from the previous year.
This local surge mirrors a national trend, with U.S. airports expected to handle a record number of passengers. Airlines have responded to the heightened demand by increasing capacity both in Baton Rouge and across the country.
Key Takeaways
- Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport expects around 11,000 passengers for the Thanksgiving holiday, a 7.5% increase from 2024.
- Airlines have added over 1,100 seats to the Baton Rouge market, boosting capacity by nearly 10%.
- Nationally, a record 31 million passengers are projected to fly, surpassing the 2024 high of 30.6 million.
- The busiest travel days are expected to be the Tuesday and Wednesday before Thanksgiving, with peak return traffic on the weekend after the holiday.
Increased Demand at Baton Rouge
The Thanksgiving travel season, spanning from November 21 to December 1, is shaping up to be one of the busiest on record for Baton Rouge. According to Louis Hubbard, the assistant director of aviation at BTR, current booking trends and airline schedules point to a 7.5% increase in passenger volume compared to the same period in 2024.
To accommodate this growth, airlines serving BTR have proactively increased their offerings. More than 1,100 additional seats have been made available for flights in and out of Baton Rouge, representing a nearly 10% expansion in capacity over last year. This move is a direct response to what Hubbard describes as strong travel demand within the region.
A Year of Growth for BTR
The anticipated holiday rush comes as BTR has been on a trajectory for another record-setting year. Earlier reports in 2025 indicated that the airport was consistently seeing higher passenger counts, positioning it to surpass previous annual traffic records. The Thanksgiving numbers are expected to reinforce this trend.
The increase in both passengers and available seats indicates a robust recovery and growing confidence in air travel among residents in the capital area. Airport officials are preparing facilities and staff to handle the influx and ensure a smooth experience for travelers.
A Record-Breaking National Forecast
The trend observed in Baton Rouge is part of a much larger, nationwide phenomenon. Across the United States, the Thanksgiving holiday period is projected to set a new benchmark for air travel.
An estimated 31 million passengers are expected to fly nationwide, a figure that would eclipse the previous record of 30.6 million set in 2024. This massive volume translates to an average of approximately 2.8 million people passing through U.S. airports each day of the holiday window.
U.S. airlines have increased their daily capacity by about 45,000 seats compared to last year to meet the historic level of demand projected for the 2025 Thanksgiving travel season.
This national surge underscores the complete return of pre-pandemic travel habits and points to a holiday season characterized by crowded airports and full flights. The data suggests that despite economic pressures, travel remains a high priority for many Americans during the holidays.
Navigating Peak Travel Days
Travelers should be aware of specific days when airports are expected to be most congested. The travel rush began last Friday, but the most intense periods are still to come.
Pre-Thanksgiving Rush
The days leading directly into the holiday will see the highest concentration of outbound travelers. Officials have identified Tuesday and Wednesday before Thanksgiving as the primary peak travel days. Passengers flying on these dates should plan for longer lines at check-in, security, and potential traffic congestion around the airport.
The Return Journey
After the holiday, a similar surge is expected as people head home. The busiest days for return travel are projected to be:
- Friday, November 29
- Saturday, November 30
- Sunday, December 1
Travelers with flexibility may want to consider flying on Thanksgiving Day itself or later in the following week to avoid the largest crowds.
Advice for Holiday Travelers
With airports operating at or near maximum capacity, preparation is key to a less stressful journey. Airport and transportation officials recommend several steps for those flying out of Baton Rouge or other airports.
First, passengers are encouraged to arrive at the airport earlier than they normally would. The standard recommendation is at least two hours before a domestic flight's departure time. This extra buffer allows for unforeseen delays in parking, baggage drop, and security screening.
"Based on current schedules and booking trends, approximately 11,000 passengers are expected to travel through BTR during the holiday stretch," stated Louis Hubbard, highlighting the need for passengers to plan ahead for a busy airport environment.
Travelers are also reminded to verify their flight status with their airline before leaving for the airport. BTR officials point to the Fly My Airport booking tool on the airport's homepage as a useful resource for comparing fares and managing bookings.
Finally, all passengers must comply with federal regulations. The REAL ID requirement remains in effect, so a compliant driver's license or other acceptable form of identification is mandatory. It is also wise to review the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) website for the latest rules on what can be carried through security checkpoints, especially when traveling with holiday foods or gifts.
