The weeks around Thanksgiving and the winter holidays are some of the busiest of the year for American airports. The Sunday after Thanksgiving, when millions of people fly home at once, has repeatedly been among the busiest days the Transportation Security Administration has ever recorded. A bit of preparation makes a big difference, and one rule in particular catches people out.

The ID rule that changed in 2025

Since May 7, 2025, travelers 18 and older need a REAL ID-compliant form of identification to pass through airport security for domestic flights. A standard driver’s license that is not REAL ID-compliant is no longer accepted on its own.

  • Check your license for a star, usually in the upper corner. That marks a REAL ID-compliant card. A few states mark it differently, and enhanced driver’s licenses issued by some states are also accepted.
  • If your license doesn’t qualify, you can use another accepted ID instead, such as a valid U.S. passport or passport card, a U.S. military ID or a trusted traveler card like Global Entry.
  • Getting a REAL ID requires a visit to your state’s motor vehicle agency with documents proving identity and residence. Appointments can book up weeks in advance before the holidays, so don’t leave it until December.

Packing: the 3-1-1 rule

In carry-on bags, liquids, gels, aerosols, creams and pastes must follow the 3-1-1 rule:

  • 3: each container can hold 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less.
  • 1: all containers must fit in one quart-sized, resealable bag.
  • 1: one bag per passenger.

Larger amounts of medically necessary liquids, such as prescription medicines, and baby formula, breast milk and juice for infants are allowed in reasonable quantities. Tell the officer about them at the start of screening, and keep them separate so they can be checked.

A few holiday-specific tips:

  • Don’t wrap gifts you are carrying through security. Officers may need to open them. Use gift bags or wrap them at your destination.
  • Pies and cakes are generally allowed in carry-ons. Cranberry sauce, gravy, jams and wine count as liquids, so pack them in checked bags or ship them.
  • Leave room in your bag for coats, which you will usually need to put through the scanner.

Getting through faster

  • Arrive early. Airlines commonly recommend about two hours before a domestic flight, and more at the busiest airports on peak days.
  • Fly early in the day. Morning flights are less likely to be delayed by problems that ripple through the system as the day goes on, and if a morning flight is canceled you have more options to rebook.
  • Consider TSA PreCheck. Members usually keep shoes, belts and light jackets on and leave laptops and liquids in their bags. It requires an application and a short in-person appointment, so apply well before you travel.
  • Use the airline’s app for your boarding pass, gate changes and rebooking. During mass disruptions, the app is often faster than waiting in line at the airport.

If your flight is canceled or badly delayed

Under U.S. Department of Transportation rules, if an airline cancels your flight or significantly changes it and you choose not to travel or not to accept the alternative it offers, you are entitled to a refund to your original form of payment, not just a travel credit. For domestic flights, a significant change includes a departure or arrival delayed by three hours or more.

Airlines also publish their own commitments for meals, hotels and rebooking during controllable delays, such as crew or maintenance problems. Check your airline’s customer service plan before you go, so you know what to ask for.

Driving instead

The Thanksgiving weekend is also one of the busiest of the year on the roads. Leaving early on Wednesday or waiting until Thursday morning often beats the Wednesday afternoon rush, and checking the weather for your whole route matters more in late November, when early snow can close mountain passes.

What we think

Most holiday travel stress can’t be avoided: crowds, weather and full flights come with the season. But the biggest avoidable problem this year is turning up at the checkpoint without an acceptable ID. Check your license for the star today, and if it is missing, bring your passport.

After that, keep it simple. Fly early in the day, carry on only what you need and know your refund rights before something goes wrong. Those habits do more for a smooth trip than any travel hack.