Last updated October 23, 2026 · By Seth Semilof
Haute Jets is a private jet charter broker, not an operator. We arrange flights with Wyvern- and ARGUS-rated FAA Part 135 operators, with access to 3,500+ vetted aircraft. Most quotes arrive within 60 minutes.
Thanksgiving 2026 key dates
- Thanksgiving Day: Thursday, November 26, 2026.
- Likely busiest day before the holiday: Wednesday, November 25, 2026.
- Likely busiest return day: Sunday, November 29, 2026.
- Ski openings: Aspen Mountain and Snowmass are scheduled to open on Thanksgiving Day, November 26. Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is scheduled to open Friday, November 27.
What last year's numbers show
TSA checkpoint counts from Thanksgiving week 2025 show a clear pattern. Private flyers often skip the terminal, but the same days strain roads, ramps, crews and aircraft supply.
| Day (2025) | People screened by TSA |
|---|---|
| Tuesday, Nov. 25 | 2,675,261 |
| Wednesday, Nov. 26 | 2,753,036 |
| Thanksgiving, Thursday, Nov. 27 | 1,559,165 |
| Friday, Nov. 28 | 2,392,036 |
| Saturday, Nov. 29 | 2,696,816 |
| Sunday, Nov. 30 | 3,134,613 |
| Monday, Dec. 1 | 2,893,451 |
Source: TSA checkpoint travel numbers. TSA reported that Sunday, November 30, 2025 was the busiest day in its history at the time.
Thanksgiving Day itself was the quietest day of the week. Flying out on Tuesday, or early on Thanksgiving morning, and returning Saturday or Monday can mean an easier trip.
Where private jet demand concentrates
Thanksgiving trips tend to follow a few patterns: families heading to warm-weather homes, ski trips timed to opening day, and visits home. These are the airports we plan around most often:
- New York area: Teterboro (TEB) and Westchester County (HPN).
- South Florida: Palm Beach International (PBI).
- Ski country: Aspen (ASE), Eagle County (EGE) and Jackson Hole (JAC).
- Mexico: Los Cabos (SJD).
At busy airports, ramp space and FBO services can be limited on peak days. Your operator arranges parking and handling, and a nearby alternate airport can give you more flexibility.
Ski-town rules to know
- Aspen (ASE): the airport is closed 11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m., with no departures after 10:30 p.m., and aircraft with a wingspan over 95 ft are not allowed. See our Aspen ski season guide.
- Jackson Hole (JAC): a voluntary noise curfew asks aircraft not to land or take off after 9:30 p.m. or before 7:00 a.m., and only Stage III aircraft may operate. See our Jackson Hole ski season guide.
Winter weather can delay mountain arrivals, so plan to land well before the evening cutoff.
When to book
- Book as early as you can. The best-fit aircraft on peak days are often committed first.
- Be flexible on time. Moving a departure by a few hours, or by a day, opens more options.
- Book both legs together. The Sunday return is usually the hardest leg to fill.
- Share your group's details. Passenger count, bags, skis and pets all affect which aircraft fit.
- Ask about one-way options. Empty legs sometimes line up with holiday trips. See empty legs.
More holiday planning: our holiday season charter guide and New Year's in St. Barts by private jet.
Book with Haute Jets
Request a quote or call (800) 257-5661. Most quotes arrive within 60 minutes.
FAQs
When is Thanksgiving 2026?
Thanksgiving is Thursday, November 26, 2026.
What are the busiest travel days around Thanksgiving?
In 2025, TSA's busiest days were the Sunday after Thanksgiving, then the Monday after and the Wednesday before. For 2026, that points to Sunday, November 29, Monday, November 30, and Wednesday, November 25.
What is the quietest day to fly over Thanksgiving?
Thanksgiving Day. In 2025, TSA screened far fewer people on Thanksgiving than on any other day that week.
When should I book a private jet for Thanksgiving?
As early as you can. Peak days fill first, and booking both legs together gives you the most choice of aircraft.
Can I fly into Aspen or Jackson Hole for Thanksgiving?
Yes. Aspen Mountain and Snowmass are scheduled to open November 26, 2026, and Jackson Hole Mountain Resort on November 27. Aspen's airport is closed 11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m., and Jackson Hole asks aircraft not to operate between 9:30 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.
How do I book a private jet for Thanksgiving?
Request a quote at https://www.hautejets.com/request-a-quote or call (800) 257-5661. Most quotes arrive within 60 minutes.
Sources
- TSA, 2025 checkpoint travel numbers: tsa.gov
- TSA, Thanksgiving 2025 travel outlook: tsa.gov
- Aspen Snowmass, 2026–27 season dates: aspensnowmass.com
- Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, 2026–27 opening day: jacksonhole.com
- Aspen/Pitkin County Airport, curfew and aircraft limitations: aspenairport.com
- Jackson Hole Airport, noise and pilot information: jacksonholeairport.com