As the holiday season approaches in the United States, it appears that travel will reach new heights, breaking previous records.
The American Automobile Association (AAA) estimates that over 119 million individuals will journey at least 50 miles from their residences during the period from Saturday until New Year’s Day.
This projection surpasses the prior holiday peak recorded in 2019.
The weekends surrounding Christmas are anticipated to be particularly congested both on the roads and at airports.
Airlines for America, a notable trade group, also predicts an exceptional travel season, expecting U.S. airlines to transport about 54 million travelers during a 19-day span that begins Thursday and wraps up on January 6.
This figure indicates a 6% increase from the previous year.
Although a looming government shutdown could commence as early as Saturday, its impact on flights and airport operations may not be immediate due to its timing around the holiday period.
However, prolonged shutdowns could lead to complications.
In terms of travel days, airlines forecast that the busiest times will be on Friday, Sunday, and the days immediately following Christmas—specifically December 26, 27, and 29.
Relative to other days, traffic is expected to be minimal on both Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
Interestingly, Thanksgiving Day was marked as the slowest day for air travel this year.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) projects that it will process around 40 million passengers over the holiday season into January.
AAA reports that nearly 90% of Americans venturing far from home over this festive period will be traveling by car.
According to a spokesperson for AAA, Aixa Diaz, “Airline travel is noticeably high at this time; however, driving remains the preferred method for many travelers during holidays.”
Gas prices remain fairly consistent in comparison to last year, with a national average of $3.05 per gallon, slightly down from $3.08 a year prior.
The typical cost for charging an electric vehicle averages just under 35 cents per kilowatt hour, though this can fluctuate by state.
Transportation data analysis by INRIX indicates that travel times on highways could extend up to 30% longer than usual throughout the holiday season, with Sunday likely to feature the heaviest congestion.
Major cities such as Boston, New York City, Seattle, and Washington, D.C., are projected to experience the longest delays.
The extensive holiday travel period means airports and airlines experience varied peak days compared to the Thanksgiving period; however, the continuous busy days can strain flight crews.
Any disruptions, be it due to snowstorms or technical failures, can lead to widespread issues.
Such was the case when Southwest Airlines faced significant challenges that affected millions of travelers in December 2022, and Delta Air Lines experienced a noticeable setback due to a global tech outage in July.
Currently, many flights are fully booked, making any cancellations more troublesome than during quieter travel seasons.
This is particularly true for budget airlines with limited options for rebooking. Major airlines like American, Delta, and United are equipped with “interline agreements,” thereby enabling them to re-accommodate stranded customers on other carriers.
This holiday travel period marks the first since the implementation of a new Transportation Department regulation mandating automatic cash refunds for canceled or significantly delayed flights.
Traditionally, most air travelers qualified for refunds but were required to initiate requests themselves.
Rebooking can often be a more favorable option compared to cash refunds, especially during busy periods, as last-minute flights tend to be costly.
Sally French, a travel expert, noted, “If my flight to see family is canceled, I could be out of pocket for the fare difference if booking last minute.”
Travelers flying with budget airlines may encounter difficulties if their flights are canceled, as rebooking with available carriers can lead to extended wait times.
French highlighted the challenges faced by customers of these airlines, noting that waiting multiple days for the next available flight may not be feasible.
Some airlines are now taking advantage of the government’s definition of a significant delay—three hours for domestic flights and six hours for international ones—in processing refunds.
For instance, airlines like Delta, United, and JetBlue previously granted refunds for shorter delay times.
With increasing delays, there is a heightened likelihood that checked baggage will go missing.
Passengers who lose track of their bags should promptly inform the airline and inquire about what compensation might be available.
Potential government shutdowns could influence airport functions, especially if Congress fails to establish a funding bill before the impending deadline.
Most TSA employees, air traffic controllers, and customs agents are categorized as essential workers and must report to work without pay if a shutdown occurs.
Should the situation persist, longer wait times might develop due to increased absenteeism.
AAA recommends that travelers proceed with their holiday trips even if a shutdown materializes, but it’s wise to prepare for lengthier airport processes.
Looking ahead to early 2025, airline ticket prices saw a 4.7% rise in November compared to the previous year.
Planning trips during January and February for spring breaks and summer vacations can be beneficial.
As noted by travel editor Laura Motta, “If you’re aiming for a spring trip to Paris, now is the time to begin that preparation.”
