Smooth Sailing or Turbulence? An Inside Look at Thanksgiving Travel 2023

As Thanksgiving approaches, the rush of holiday travelers is gaining momentum, with an estimated 2.7 million people set to embark on flights and millions more hitting the roads for Thanksgiving celebrations. While the surge in travel is anticipated to peak on Wednesday, there’s confidence among airline officials that they can avoid the disruptions that plagued previous holiday seasons, such as the well-documented Southwest Airlines meltdown during last Christmas.

Airlines have taken proactive measures to ensure smoother operations, increasing their workforce by tens of thousands in recent years. Southwest, for instance, has invested in additional winter equipment to keep planes operational even in sub-freezing temperatures. However, the sheer volume of travelers could lead to lengthy security lines at airports. Delta Air Lines is advising passengers to arrive at least two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international ones.

This Thanksgiving will also serve as a litmus test for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which faced air traffic controller shortages in key facilities earlier this year, resulting in reduced flights to the New York City area. U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg reassured the public that the government has made preparations for holiday travel, including hiring more air traffic controllers, opening new air routes, and providing grants for snowplows and deicing equipment at airports.

According to the FAA, nearly three-fourths of flight delays are weather-related. Despite this, the rate of canceled flights is reportedly lower than last year, when the airline industry grappled with staffing challenges amid a robust post-pandemic travel recovery.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) anticipates screening 2.7 million passengers on Wednesday and a record 2.9 million on Sunday, the peak day for return trips. Despite the high volume, TSA Administrator David Pekoske expressed confidence in having sufficient agents and urged travelers to allow extra time for navigating busy airports.

AAA predicts that 55.4 million people will travel at least 50 miles from home during the Thanksgiving period, primarily by road. Gasoline prices, fortunately, are lower than last year, providing relief to drivers. Airfares have also seen a decline, with October prices down 13% from the previous year and Thanksgiving fares about 14% lower, making air travel more accessible.

While lower travel costs offer some relief, many individuals, like social worker and graduate student Jason McQueary, are still grappling with the financial strain of essential expenses. McQueary, utilizing credit card points to offset travel costs, reflects a sentiment shared by those mindful of the broader economic challenges amid the holiday season.