Thanksgiving travel 2024/ TSA record travel/ holiday airport tips/ Charlotte Douglas strike/ air traffic control delays/ DALLAS/ Newslooks/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Thanksgiving travel is set to break records, with TSA predicting over 18 million passengers at airports and AAA estimating nearly 80 million travelers nationwide. While TSA and airlines promise smoother operations, challenges like air traffic controller shortages and a worker strike at Charlotte Douglas International Airport loom. Here’s how to navigate the busiest Thanksgiving travel period ever.
Thanksgiving Travel 2024: Quick Looks
- Record Numbers: TSA expects to screen 18.3 million passengers, with Sunday potentially breaking records.
- Charlotte Strike: Service workers protest low wages, impacting a major hub.
- FAA Staffing Issues: Air traffic controller shortages could cause delays.
- Timing Insights: Traffic and airport congestion peak Tuesday, Wednesday, and Sunday.
- Travel Tips: Arrive early, avoid lithium batteries in checked bags, and check TSA’s banned items list.
Thanksgiving Travel Hits Record Highs: TSA and Airlines Brace for Crowds
Deep Look
Thanksgiving 2024 promises to be the busiest travel period ever, as millions of Americans hit the road and take to the skies. While the TSA, airlines, and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) prepare for the crush of travelers, hurdles like staffing shortages and worker strikes could complicate plans.
By the Numbers
- Road Travel: AAA forecasts nearly 80 million travelers, with the majority driving. Gas prices are down from last year, averaging $3.06 per gallon.
- Air Travel: TSA expects to screen 18.3 million passengers between Tuesday and Monday, 6% more than last year.
- Peak Days: Sunday could see over 3 million passengers, breaking records set in July.
TSA’s Preparations
TSA Administrator David Pekoske emphasized readiness:
“This will be the busiest Thanksgiving ever in terms of air travel. Fortunately, our staffing is at the highest levels that they have ever been.”
TSA aims to keep general security lines under 30 minutes and PreCheck lines under 10 minutes.
Strikes and Staffing Challenges
- Charlotte Strike: Service workers at Charlotte Douglas International Airport, a major hub, walked off the job citing low wages. The protest could disrupt operations at one of the busiest airports this Thanksgiving.
- FAA Shortages: Air traffic controller deficits remain a challenge. FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker warned that traffic might need to slow to ensure safety, especially at airports in New York and Florida.
Timing and Trends
The timing of Thanksgiving this year — November 28 — impacts travel patterns. Outbound trips are more spread out, but heavy traffic and congestion are expected on key days:
- Worst Driving Times: Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons, and Sunday for the return trip.
- Best Driving Times: Thanksgiving morning or early Sunday and Monday mornings.
- Remote Work Effect: More travelers are leaving earlier and working remotely from destinations before celebrating with family.
Navigating Airports
Frequent flyers and infrequent travelers alike should heed these TSA tips:
- Arrive Early: Give yourself extra time for security checks and boarding.
- Avoid Banned Items: Check TSA’s list of prohibited items, especially for infrequent travelers.
- Secure Electronics: Keep lithium-ion batteries out of checked luggage to prevent overheating.
- Guns: TSA has discovered over 6,000 firearms at checkpoints this year, most of them loaded.
Road Travel Insights
For drivers, congestion is expected to be double the usual levels in metropolitan areas like Los Angeles, Boston, New York, Seattle, and Washington, D.C. Transportation analytics company INRIX offers this advice:
- Avoid Peak Times: Stay off the roads Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons and Sunday evening.
- Plan Return Trips Wisely: The best times to travel are before 1 p.m. on Sunday or early Monday morning.
Airlines Ready to Perform
Last Thanksgiving, airlines handled the holiday rush well, canceling fewer than 400 flights during the week. Southwest Airlines COO Andrew Watterson credits better planning and milder weather for past success and anticipates similar performance this year if weather cooperates.
“A late Thanksgiving leads to a big crush at the end,” Watterson said, referring to the heavy travel expected Sunday through Tuesday.
Travel Tips
- For Flyers:
- Arrive at least two hours early for domestic flights.
- Review TSA’s guidelines for packing carry-on and checked luggage.
- Consider TSA PreCheck for faster screening.
- For Drivers:
- Avoid travel during peak congestion times.
- Plan alternate routes to bypass urban traffic hotspots.
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