Spirit's top Thanksgiving destinations, plus busiest days

Published on Oct 23, 2025, 1:54 pm CDTUpdated on Oct 23, 2025, 1:59 pm CDT

3 min read

Key points

Spirit lists top 10 Thanksgiving destinations for Nov. 25-Dec. 1, 2025
Warm weather and big cities dominate searches across the network
Busiest Spirit travel days are November 30 and December 1
More premium seating this season with Spirit First and Premium Economy

Impact

What Changed: Spirit released its top ten most searched Thanksgiving destinations and peak-period highlights.
Why It Matters: Travelers can target preferred flights, seats, and fares before late-November demand spikes.
Dates: Thanksgiving peak period is November 25 through December 1, 2025; busiest days Nov. 30 and Dec. 1.
What To Do: Book soon, consider early morning departures, and monitor your itinerary for schedule changes.

Spirit Airlines says travelers are zeroing in on sunshine, beaches, and skyline views this Thanksgiving. For the peak travel period from November 25 through December 1, 2025, the carrier's most searched destinations on spirit.com are led by Orlando International Airport (MCO), Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL), and Harry Reid International Airport (LAS). The list also features George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW), Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), LaGuardia Airport (LGA), Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU), and Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW). Spirit expects its busiest days to be November 30 and December 1, so travelers should book early and allow extra time at the airport.

Spirit Airlines Thanksgiving demand

The airline says it will operate more than 3,200 flights during the window and log more than three million miles flown. Spirit adds that interest is strongest for warm-weather getaways and major city breaks, which aligns with late-November travel patterns across Florida, Texas, and the Northeast corridor. The carrier is also promoting added comfort options this season, noting more availability of Spirit First and Premium Economy, alongside its Big Front Seat product, for travelers seeking extra space and onboard perks.

Latest developments, optional

Spirit's search data covers queries made between September 1 and October 19 for travel November 25 through December 1. The company reiterates that November 30 and December 1 will be the tightest days for seats and airport crowding across its network.

Analysis

If your plans hinge on one of these ten airports, shop sooner rather than later, then lock in morning departures where possible. Early flights tend to recover faster from weather or air-traffic delays, especially on November 30 when return travel peaks. Consider nearby alternates if schedules are thin outside peak times; for example, Fort Lauderdale and Miami often provide cross-shopping opportunities within South Florida.

Background: "Most searched" reflects consumer intent rather than ticketed bookings, but it reliably foreshadows where gate areas and security lines will swell first during the holiday rush. Pair that signal with your own flexibility. If you are price-sensitive, monitor fares and set alerts for your exact dates. If you are schedule-sensitive, prioritize nonstop options and seats now, then keep an eye on your reservation for any adjustments as the holiday period approaches. For broader price context, see our look at holiday airfare prices and plan buffers using our daily Flight Delays and Airport Impacts update.

Final thoughts

Spirit's top Thanksgiving destinations point to classic family visits and warm escapes, with Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, and Las Vegas leading a list that also spans Houston, Atlanta, and San Juan. If your itinerary falls on November 30 or December 1, build in extra time, choose morning departures, and secure seats now. Spirit's top Thanksgiving destinations are likely to sell out fastest as travelers finalize plans.