Thanksgiving air travel expected to hit record levels, airlines say

As the holiday season approaches, the airline industry is preparing for a busy Thanksgiving travel period, with over 31 million people expected to fly between November 21 and December 1. This prediction comes from Airlines for America, a lobbying group representing the largest US carriers. The busiest days are expected to be the Sunday after Thanksgiving, with around 3.4 million people flying, followed by the Monday after Thanksgiving, with approximately 3.1 million passengers.

The industry is still recovering from the longest-ever government shutdown, which ended on November 12. During this time, air traffic controllers were required to work without pay, leading to flight delays and cancellations that affected around 6 million people. Airline executives have expressed relief that the shutdown has ended, but they are now pushing for legislation to ensure that air traffic controllers are paid in the event of another shutdown.

Impact of the Government Shutdown

The government shutdown had a significant impact on the airline industry, with Bank of America estimating that the big network airlines could see an operating income hit of $150 million to $200 million, while smaller carriers could see an impact of $100 million. Some travelers appeared to be waiting until the shutdown ended before booking their travel, with United Airlines seeing a 16% increase in bookings between November 15 and 16 compared to the previous weekend.

United Airlines also reported that bookings for international trips are at a record high for the holiday period, up 10% from last year, with popular destinations including Cancun, Mexico, and major European hubs like London and Frankfurt, Germany. The carrier forecasts that it will fly 6.6 million customers between November 20 and December 2, a 4% increase from last year.

Airline Preparations for the Holiday Season

The largest US carriers have increased their international capacity by around 5% between November 26 and 30 compared to the same period last year, according to aviation-data firm Cirium. Domestic capacity is also up by about 2%. American Airlines plans to operate 80,759 flights from November 20 to December 2, the most of any airline. The company’s Chief Operating Officer, David Seymour, stated that the Thanksgiving holiday period is a critical time for the airline and that the team is ready to deliver.

However, not all airlines have increased their schedules. Budget carrier Spirit Airlines, which is currently in its second bankruptcy in less than a year, has slashed capacity and furloughed hundreds of pilots to cut costs. The airline’s domestic flying capacity is down by nearly 40% from last year, according to Cirium data.

Industry Outlook

Despite the challenges posed by the government shutdown, the airline industry is optimistic about the upcoming holiday season. With the shutdown now over, airlines are focusing on providing a smooth and enjoyable travel experience for their customers. As the holiday season approaches, travelers can expect busy airports and flights, but with proper planning and preparation, they can navigate the crowds and arrive at their destinations safely and on time.