Travelers returning home after the Thanksgiving holiday experienced a significant increase in airport traffic this past Sunday. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) reported that it screened over 3 million passengers, setting a new record of 3.09 million travelers. This surpasses the previous record by approximately 74,000, which was established earlier this year on July 7.
While many were eager to reach their destinations, hundreds of thousands faced delays or canceled flights. Airlines in the U.S. canceled around 120 flights, which is not considered an unusually high number. However, more than 6,800 flights were delayed, with the highest volume of disruptions occurring at major hubs like Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport and Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport.
The TSA had anticipated a 6% increase in air travel during the Thanksgiving week compared to last year, continuing a trend of rising travel numbers in 2024. This surge reflects a strong desire among Americans to travel and connect with family during the holiday season, emphasizing the resilience and enthusiasm of travelers despite the occasional challenges they may face.
