The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has announced that this Thanksgiving holiday is set to be the busiest in over 15 years. The agency anticipates more than 360,000 flights will operate during the travel period, which runs from November 25 to December 1, 2024. On Tuesday, November 25 alone, over 52,000 flights are expected to take off, marking a significant increase in air travel activity.
FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford expressed his confidence in the agency’s preparedness, stating, “Thanks to the dedication of our air traffic controllers and every FAA employee, we are ready for the holiday rush and take pride in helping travelers reach their friends and families during this important time of year.” He noted the commitment of the FAA team, particularly during a period marked by record-high traffic, which is crucial for maintaining safety in the air travel system.
According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), approximately 82 million Americans are expected to travel by road or air during this holiday season. With such high numbers, the FAA has emphasized the importance of travelers arriving at airports early to accommodate check-in and security procedures.
Weather Concerns Loom Over Holiday Travel
The FOX Forecast Center has reported that two storm systems may affect travel plans over Thanksgiving. The first system is anticipated to develop on Monday, November 24, bringing rain to the southern Plains, which could extend into the Southeast and possibly affect the mid-Atlantic or Northeast through Tuesday. A second storm will also emerge on Monday, delivering additional rain and colder temperatures to the Pacific Northwest.
Despite potential weather disruptions, regions including the West, Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, and parts of the Southeast are expected to experience a drier Thanksgiving Day. Travelers are encouraged to stay informed about weather conditions and plan accordingly.
The FAA has also released updated travel tips on its Holiday Travel page, advising passengers to pack their patience and to allocate sufficient time for airport procedures. This proactive communication is intended to help ease the travel experience during what is traditionally one of the busiest travel times of the year.
As families prepare to reunite across the country, the FAA’s efforts underscore the importance of safety and efficiency in air travel. The upcoming Thanksgiving holiday not only reflects a significant increase in travel activity, but also highlights the resilience of the aviation industry as it continues to adapt to growing demand.
