If your travel plans involve the Thanksgiving long weekend, be prepared for potential challenges.
The upcoming week is projected to be the busiest Thanksgiving holiday travel period in 15 years, with over 360,000 flights scheduled to cross the U.S. skies, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). While the recent increase in flight delays and cancellations attributed to the government shutdown has now abated, adverse weather conditions are anticipated to sweep across much of the nation in the days leading up to the long weekend, which could disrupt air transportation.
Travelers are also expected to flock to the country’s railway lines and highways, where they may encounter congestion or potential delays. Amtrak has indicated that this year will set a record for Thanksgiving travel, and the American Automobile Association estimates that nearly 82 million individuals will journey at least 50 miles from their homes this week.
Here’s what you should know to get ready if you are traveling this week.
How crowded are airports expected to be?
Tuesday, November 25, is likely to be the peak travel day, the FAA stated, with more than 52,000 flights scheduled for that single day. Nevertheless, the agency reassured the public that it is well-prepared for the busy travel season.
“Thanks to the dedication of our air traffic controllers and every FAA employee, we are ready for the holiday rush and take pride in helping travelers reach their friends and families during this important time of year,” FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford noted in a press release. “I am deeply grateful to our entire FAA team. Even through a period of record-high traffic, their unwavering commitment keeps the system running safely.”
This holiday season follows closely after the recent government shutdown. Before the shutdown was resolved earlier this month, the resulting staffing shortages at airports led to significant flight disruptions. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy had previously announced extensive flight cuts at 40 major airports during the shutdown due to air traffic control safety concerns, but on November 16, he reversed that decision and stated that the air traffic system would resume normal operations.
Although flights have continued to experience disturbances in the days since, Sheldon Jacobson, an expert in aviation security and safety and a professor of computer science at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, commented that the delays were “nothing unusual.”
Could weather conditions affect your flight or drive?
Heavy rainfall, which carries a risk of flooding, is expected to impact states including Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi on Monday, potentially interfering with travel at major airports in cities such as Dallas, Houston, and Kansas City, according to The Weather Channel.
By Tuesday, fog could spread from the Northeast to Florida, and even parts of the Midwest, a condition The Weather Channel cautioned could lead to airport delays, including in Atlanta, Chicago, New York City, and Philadelphia. Additional rainfall is also forecast for Midwestern and Southeastern states, as well as the East Coast. Portions of the Northern Plains might also see some snowfall, which could affect driving on certain interstates, including Interstate 94 northwest of the Twin Cities extending into North Dakota.
Rain may persist in parts of the eastern U.S. on Wednesday, potentially causing delays at airports in Boston, New York City, Philadelphia, Seattle, and Washington, D.C., according to The Weather Channel. Furthermore, heavy rainfall could hit parts of Washington and Oregon, and snowfall might affect areas of Michigan, Wisconsin, Ohio, and Pennsylvania on Wednesday.
On Thanksgiving Day, snowfall is forecasted to reach the Great Lakes snowbelts, impacting segments of major interstates such as Interstate 90 from Cleveland to near Buffalo, Interstate 81 north of Syracuse, and Interstates 94 and 196 in western Michigan, as per The Weather Channel. Flights, particularly those operating to and from Seattle, could be affected by the weather on that day.
What should I do if my flight is delayed or canceled?
Arrive at the airport early, as it is expected to be busy this week. Also, continuously check the status of your flight to stay updated on any potential disruptions.
If your flight is canceled, contact your airline’s customer service line, visit their website, or go to their in-person help desk at the airport. Your airline will rebook you on an alternative flight if your original flight is canceled.
