The Thanksgiving travel season in the United States is underway, breaking records as millions of Americans embark on journeys by air, road, and sea.
On Tuesday, the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) reported approximately 2.7 million passengers passing through airport checkpoints, setting a new high for the Tuesday before Thanksgiving. Industry analysts expect even larger crowds on Wednesday and Sunday, December 1, with more than 3 million air travelers anticipated each day, according to Airlines for America.
Weather Woes Threaten Travel Plans
Winter weather systems pose potential disruptions as portions of the East and West coasts face storm warnings, and the Midwest braces for extreme cold. Temperatures in some regions could drop to -40°F, as per meteorologist William Churchill from the National Weather Service Weather Prediction Center. While Churchill remarked that the weather isn’t unusually severe for the season, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) cautioned travelers that adverse weather and high travel volumes remain key contributors to delays.
Air Travel Struggles
On Tuesday, United Airlines highlighted a shortage of air traffic controllers at its Newark, New Jersey hub as a significant factor in disruptions. Across the nation, over 4,800 flights were delayed, and 82 were canceled, according to FlightAware. The FAA has implemented traffic flow management measures to address staffing challenges and minimize delays.
Record Road and Cruise Travel
The American Automobile Association (AAA) predicts a record-breaking 80 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles during the Thanksgiving period. Meanwhile, cruise travel has surged, with companies reporting a 20% increase in passenger numbers compared to previous years.
Despite challenges, this holiday season underscores the resilience of travelers eager to reconnect with loved ones during Thanksgiving celebrations.
