With holiday travel season approaching, Americans find themselves fretful over what could be the busiest travel days ever coinciding with the uncertainties of a looming government shutdown. Reports indicate this peak season may see over 119 million Americans traveling at least 50 miles from home, according to AAA. Consequently, many travelers are left pondering how the potential government shutdown could affect their pre-planned holiday excursions.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is preparing for this significant influx of travelers, anticipating up to 40 million passenger screenings through January 2. TSA spokesman Carter Langston warns, "While our personnel have prepared to handle high volumes of travelers and toensure safe travel, please be awarethat an extended shutdown could mean longer wait times at airports." Most TSA workers are considered indispensable and would continue working without pay should Congress fail to pass funding, which raises the risk of individuals calling out sick. This situation draws from past shutdown experiences when longer wait times were noted at airport security.
Airlines are predicting busy days too, focusing on Friday, Sunday, December 26, 27, and 29 as major travel dates. Airlines for America estimates about 54 million passengers will be carried by U.S. airlines during the holiday peak, marking a 6% rise from last year. Aixa Diaz, AAA spokesperson, urged travelers to continue their holiday plans, advising, "Airport operations will continue as normal, but perhaps run a bit slower than usual, so travelers should be aware ofthat." Such forewarnings are detrimental for holiday travelers eager to reunite with loved ones.
Adding to travelers' woes is the uncertainty surrounding weather conditions. Travelers are advised to brace for potential delays caused not only by increased holiday traffic but also by unpredictable winter storms. The triple-punch of surging passenger volumes alongside the threat of disruptions has left travelers on edge.
Katy Nastro, travel expert at Going, noted, "This holiday travel period is expected to be the busiest on record," emphasizing how just days can drastically increase the number of travelers. "We are expecting to see 50% more people traveling over the 12 day winter holiday period vs. the busy nine day Thanksgiving period," Nastro remarked.
Those flying should exercise caution and account for longer times required to navigate busy airports. The TSA advises travelers to arrive sooner than usual, noting: "With record numbers of travelers expected, even more time factoredinto your airport experience can't hurt." This advice is pertinent as airlines increase their flight schedules to accommodate the anticipated surge, with United planning to operate nearly 500 additional flights daily during the holiday rush.
And it's not merely about making it to the airport on time. If faced with delays, travelers should navigate their choices wisely. Experts remind passengers to stay updated through their airlines’ apps, which will provide the most accurate information about flight statuses. They also advise reaching out to the airline customer service as soon as delays are recognized to avoid long lines at airport counters.
Even pricing changes are anticipated, with airline fares reportedly climbing by 4.7% year over year, adding yet another layer of planning complication for those booking last-minute flights. The combined factors of added costs, longer wait times, and general holiday travel chaos leave many wondering how to effectively navigate their holiday journeys.
To wrap up travel preparations, it is recommended to remain flexible and patient, especially during peak times. With all elements considered, travelers can prepare for the hectic days leading to the year's end, keeping holiday cheer intact amid potential disturbances. While the signs may point to holiday travel hurdles, being well-informed can assist individuals arriving safely and comfortably at their destinations.
