The approach of the Thanksgiving holiday usually sparks excitement as families and friends look forward to gathering for festive meals and creating new memories. But this year, many travelers might encounter roadblocks, as winter weather and staffing shortages threaten to disrupt holiday plans. Major U.S. cities such as Boston, Tampa, Dallas, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and Seattle are particularly on high alert for flight delays due to adverse weather conditions.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has warned of potential delays due to low clouds and high winds affecting numerous flights. Airlines anticipate significant disruption as snow is expected to sweep through Minneapolis and Denver, adding fuel to the fire. Given the high volume of travelers during the holiday season, these weather concerns could mean longer wait times and some unexpected turbulence for holidaymakers.
Airport officials from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEATAC), which ranks as the 11th busiest airport in the nation, have insisted they are geared up for the Thanksgiving rush. This confidence follows the major chaos the airport experienced three months prior—massive delays and cancellations following a cyber attack. Fortunately, preparatory measures are reportedly keeping systems intact this time around.
Despite being prepared at SEATAC, the business of air travel nationwide is stymied by another looming concern: the FAA’s current staffing issues. Reports indicate acute shortages of air traffic controllers—especially concentrated in the northeastern U.S. This shortage is predicted to manifest as significant delays, particularly for New York City, which could see its travelers left stuck longer than they would like.
Travelers are encouraged to be proactive about their plans as holiday air travel approaches. Simple tips could ease the hustle. One frequent flyer advises, "Definitely pick your outfit the night before. That's what I think. Hang up your outfit, know what you want to wear, make sure it's comfortable, buy some new shoes so you're excited about it!" Others suggest being mentally prepared for potential delays.
Families traveling with children have their own strategies as well. One traveler shared, "Follow my wife" when asked about smoothly passing through airport security. The FAA continues to closely monitor weather conditions, emphasizing the need for travelers to remain updated and aware as they begin their journeys.
The demand for air travel this season cannot be understated. AAA estimates record-breaking numbers, predicting around 80 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles during the holiday week—an increase fueled by the resumption of traditional holiday gatherings as the pandemic's impacts lessen.
FlightAware has been actively tracking disruptions. Reports indicated by late afternoon on Wednesday alone, more than 3,600 flights were delayed and 38 canceled across the U.S. Compounding these delays, the storm brewing across the country is expected to drop heavy snowfall, which will likely complicate travel plans even more.
For travelers hoping to avoid the rush, experts recommend arriving at airports earlier than usual and maintaining flexible travel plans to navigate the expected chaos. Carry-on luggage is often advised to avoid the hassle of checked baggage complications, which can slow down the process exponentially.
Flight delays are being reported nationwide at key airports. New York City’s airports—JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark—reported 98 combined delays, showing just how the storm's effects ripple outwards. Other affected airports include LAX and its neighboring facilities, Chicago O'Hare and Midway, plus Miami International Airport, all of which have also seen numerous delays as travelers head home for the holiday.
Contrastingly, travelers heading through some Montana airports have experienced smoother sailing with clear weather, showing the stark divide across the nation during the holiday travel rush.
Meanwhile, as travelers gear up for what many see as the busiest traveling time of the year, the TSA has broken records, with more than 2.7 million travelers screened recently. The influx continues to rise, putting pressure on the airports to deliver operations under duress.
While all these factors couples together create headaches for holiday travel, there’s still hope for smooth rides for those who are well-prepared and informed. Information will be key as travelers navigate the busy airport terminals and fly past winter weather to reach their loved ones.
