If you’re planning to travel for Thanksgiving this year, be prepared for busier-than-usual conditions. The upcoming week is projected to be the busiest Thanksgiving travel time in the past 15 years, with over 360,000 flights expected across the U.S., as reported by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Although flight delays and cancellations caused by the recent government shutdown seem to have subsided, adverse weather is expected to impact travel in the days leading up to the holiday.
In addition to air travel, millions will also be making their way via rail and road. Amtrak anticipates a record number of travelers this Thanksgiving, and nearly 82 million people are expected to journey at least 50 miles from home, according to estimates from the American Automobile Association (AAA).
Airport Busyness
The FAA identified Tuesday, November 25, as the peak travel day, predicting more than 52,000 flights for that day. The agency reassured the public of its preparedness for this hectic travel period. "Thanks to the dedication of our air traffic controllers and every FAA employee, we are ready for the holiday rush," stated FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford.
This Thanksgiving follows the longest government shutdown in U.S. history, which had caused staffing shortages and disruptions at airports. However, restrictions that affected air traffic during the shutdown have been lifted, returning operations to normal.
Despite this recovery, flight disruptions still persist. Aviation security expert Sheldon Jacobson noted that delays are part of the usual travel dynamics and not specifically related to the recent shutdown.
Weather Impacts
Travelers should also keep an eye on the weather, as heavy rain is predicted to affect states like Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi, which could lead to disruptions at key airports in cities such as Dallas and Kansas City.
As the week progresses, fog is anticipated from the Northeast down to Florida, potentially causing delays in major cities like Atlanta and New York. Additionally, the Midwest and Southeastern states are expected to see further rainfall, and parts of the Northern Plains may even experience some snow, complicating driving conditions on major highways.
On Thanksgiving Day itself, snowfall in the Great Lakes snowbelts may disrupt travel along significant interstates, including Interstate 90 and Interstate 81.
Tips for Travelers
Given the expected surge in travelers, getting to the airport early is advisable, with vigilant checks on flight statuses to remain informed about any disruptions. If faced with a canceled flight, travelers should reach out to their airline’s customer service or visit their airport help desk for rebooking options.
For more information on potential delays and cancellations, be sure to check out: