Last Updated on October 24, 2025
Spirit Airlines has revealed its list of the most-searched destinations for Thanksgiving week, and two of the top spots are right here in the Sunshine State.
Despite the airline’s financial challenges and recent bankruptcy filing, travelers clearly have their sights set on Florida’s sunshine, beaches, and family fun for their holiday getaways.
Let’s dive in and look at where travelers are looking for their upcoming travels!
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Orlando and Fort Lauderdale Lead the Way
At the top of Spirit Airlines’ Thanksgiving travel list sits Orlando, and it’s easy to see why. Known as the “Theme Park Capital of the World,” Orlando offers the perfect family-friendly holiday escape.
With cooler fall weather, lighter crowds, and endless entertainment options, it’s an ideal place to celebrate Thanksgiving without winter jackets or snow shovels.
Families can spend the day at Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, or SeaWorld, then enjoy festive holiday parades and special seasonal events across the city.
Beyond the parks, Orlando’s growing downtown scene, impressive restaurants, and shopping destinations make it a favorite for travelers seeking both excitement and relaxation.
This South Florida gem is famous for its laid-back coastal lifestyle, palm-lined beaches, and picturesque waterways.
Visitors can spend their days soaking up the sun, dining along Las Olas Boulevard, or taking a scenic gondola-style cruise through the city’s canals.
Fort Lauderdale’s blend of tropical atmosphere, lively nightlife, and resort-style luxury makes it a top choice for those who want their Thanksgiving to feel more like a vacation in paradise than a hectic holiday rush.
I recently visited Fort Lauderdale, and now is a perfect time to visit since the weather is a bit cooler, but it’s still warm enough to hit the water and enjoy your time.
Spirit’s Busy Thanksgiving Season
Spirit Airlines says it’s gearing up for one of its busiest travel weeks of the year, with more than 3,200 flights scheduled between November 25 and December 1.
Those flights will cover over three million miles, connecting travelers across the U.S., the Caribbean, and Latin America.
It’s a clear sign that despite the airline’s current financial restructuring, travelers are still turning to Spirit for affordable, no-frills flights to popular destinations, especially sunny ones like Florida.
The airline’s Thanksgiving travel data highlights a growing trend among U.S. travelers: an appetite for warm-weather escapes.
Spirit’s top-searched destinations also include Las Vegas, Houston, Detroit, Atlanta, Newark, New York-LaGuardia, San Juan, and Dallas–Fort Worth.
But what’s interesting is that Florida dominates the list, with not one but two cities in the top two spots.
It’s further proof that when temperatures drop, travelers everywhere start dreaming of palm trees and coastal sunsets.
My girlfriend and I visiting Fort Lauderdale
Why Florida Is So Popular for Thanksgiving Travel
There’s something timeless about Florida during the holiday season.
While much of the country is bundled up and scraping frost off car windshields, Floridians are still enjoying sunshine, ocean breezes, and flip-flop weather.
Thanksgiving week tends to offer some of the best conditions of the year, warm but not too hot, with lower humidity and fewer afternoon storms than summer months.
For many families, traveling to Florida around Thanksgiving isn’t just a vacation; it’s a tradition.
The state’s mix of theme parks, beaches, and outdoor attractions means there’s something for every type of traveler.
Parents with kids can head to Orlando’s attractions, couples can unwind along Fort Lauderdale Beach, and snowbirds can enjoy one last getaway before winter settles in.
And let’s not forget about affordability. Florida continues to attract budget-conscious travelers because it’s accessible from almost anywhere in the U.S., and airlines like Spirit keep fares low enough for spontaneous trips.
Even with added fees for bags and seats, many travelers find it’s still cheaper to fly to Florida for the week than to plan a ski vacation or stay up north for the holidays.
My girlfriend and I visiting Icon Park in Orlando, which is the top searched for city this Thanksgiving
Final Thoughts
Even with its challenges, Spirit’s data paints a clear picture: Florida remains the heart of American holiday travel.
Orlando and Fort Lauderdale aren’t just airports on a map, they represent the dream of sunshine, palm trees, and relaxation during one of the busiest weeks of the year.
For millions of travelers, Thanksgiving in Florida means swapping sweaters for swimsuits, turkey for seafood, and snow for sand.
It’s a reminder that the Sunshine State isn’t just a destination, it’s a lifestyle.
And this Thanksgiving, Spirit Airlines passengers are leading the migration south to enjoy it.
Safe travels!
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Booking a last-minute trip to Florida?
If so, we have you covered. Here are some top recommended tours and experiences!
Top Tours in Florida – Viator
Top Hotels In Florida – Booking.com
Looking To Get Around In Florida?
Check out rental car rates here! 🚗
