Travelers, both on the road and in the air, should prepare for a busy holiday season in the United States. The Auto Club AAA estimates that over 119 million Americans will be traveling at least 50 miles from home from now until New Year’s Day, surpassing the previous record set in 2019. The busiest times for travel are expected to fall on the weekends before and after Christmas.
Additionally, the group Airlines for America is projecting that U.S. airlines will transport around 54 million passengers from this last Thursday through January 6, which is a 6% increase compared to last year. While a potential government shutdown could occur soon, it is not expected to immediately disrupt travel during the holidays unless it lasts for an extended period.
### Expected Travel Peaks
Airlines are gearing up for their busiest days, with predictions for crowded flights on Friday, Sunday, and the days following Christmas. Interestingly, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day are anticipated to have lighter travel traffic.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) expects to screen about 40 million travelers over the holiday period, with around 90% of those traveling long distances choosing to drive rather than fly. AAA spokesperson Aixa Diaz highlighted that while airline travel is high, the vast majority still prefer to drive.
In terms of fuel costs, gasoline prices have remained relatively stable. The national average is about $3.05 per gallon, slightly lower than last year. Moreover, those with electric vehicles can expect average charging costs close to 35 cents per kilowatt hour, depending on their state.
Weather and potential travel delays could complicate matters, with traffic on highways expected to be as much as 30% longer than usual during this peak travel time. Major cities like Boston, New York, Seattle, and Washington, D.C., could see significant congestion.
### Navigating Challenges
Despite the anticipation of large crowds, the holiday travel season typically experiences smaller surges compared to Thanksgiving. However, the continuous demand can strain flight crews. Past incidents, like the Southwest Airlines disruption last December, remind us how quickly things can get out of hand due to unforeseen issues.
Budget airlines with fewer flights could pose challenges if cancellations occur, making it important for travelers to consider the options available to them. The recent Transportation Department rule mandates that airlines must issue automatic cash refunds for significant delays or cancellations, which could be a game-changer for many travelers.
Travelers should bear in mind that the airlines are still determining what constitutes a “significant” delay, which is now defined as three hours for domestic flights and six hours for international ones. This might affect how refunds and rebookings are handled.
### Future Considerations
Should a government shutdown take place, essential airport workers like TSA agents would still report to work without immediate pay. However, longer shutdowns may see more workers calling in sick, leading to longer wait times. Despite these potential setbacks, AAA advises that travelers should feel confident continuing their holiday plans, as normal operations should continue, albeit potentially at a slower pace.
Finally, for those looking ahead to future travel, now is an excellent time to start planning trips for the upcoming seasons, as early bookings can lead to better prices and options. As always, being prepared and informed is key to a successful travel experience, especially during the busy holiday months.
