Airports Brace for Busy Spring Break Travel in 2026

Tips to navigate the busiest hubs and avoid delays

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

With cheaper flights fueling a surge in travel demand, airports across the U.S. are expected to be busier than ever during the 2026 spring break season. Major hubs like Chicago O'Hare, Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson, and Orlando International are projected to see the highest traffic, leading to longer lines, packed gates, and potential delays. To navigate these busy airports, travelers are advised to plan ahead by checking live TSA wait times, reserving free security time slots, and using TSA's ConfirmID program for those without a REAL ID or passport.

Why it matters

The combination of lower airfares and increased travel demand is creating the perfect storm for a very busy spring break travel season in 2026. With airports projected to be more crowded than ever, travelers need to be aware of the challenges they may face and take proactive steps to minimize delays and hassles.

The details

Recent data shows airfares are trending down 3% domestically and 10% for international flights, while travel interest has increased 9%. This is expected to drive a surge in travel, with the International Air Transport Association projecting more than 5 billion people will fly in 2026, a 4% increase from last year. Aviation data firm Cirium predicts Chicago O'Hare will be the busiest airport in the first half of 2026, with over 218,000 flights scheduled, bumping Hartsfield-Jackson in Atlanta to second place. Other airports expected to be very busy include Dallas/Fort Worth, Denver, Charlotte, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Houston, New York JFK, and Orlando.

  • Flights are cheaper in 2026 compared to previous years.
  • Spring break travel season is ramping up in 2026.

The players

Kayak

A travel search engine that revealed data on cheaper flights and increased travel demand.

International Air Transport Association

An industry group that projects more than 5 billion people will fly in 2026, a 4% increase from last year.

Cirium

An aviation data firm that projects Chicago O'Hare will be the busiest airport in the first half of 2026.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

Travelers should check live TSA wait times, reserve free security time slots, and use TSA's ConfirmID program to help navigate the busy spring break travel season.

The takeaway

With cheaper flights driving a surge in travel demand, airports across the U.S. are expected to be busier than ever during the 2026 spring break season. Travelers need to be proactive in planning their trips to avoid delays and hassles at the busiest hubs like Chicago O'Hare, Atlanta, and Orlando.