Thanksgiving Travel Season
The Federal Aviation Administration is preparing for the busiest Thanksgiving travel holiday since 2010 next week. In a press release, the agency said it expects more than 52,000 flights on Tuesday, November 25 alone.
Expected Flights and Travelers
In total, the FAA said more than 360,000 flights will take off during the Thanksgiving travel season. According to AAA, approximately 82 million Americans will take to the streets or air to make their Thanksgiving holiday plans from Tuesday through Monday, December 1st.
FAA Preparation
“Thanks to the dedication of our air traffic controllers and all FAA employees, we are prepared for the holiday rush and are proud to help travelers reach their friends and families during this important time of year,” said the FAA Administrator. "I am deeply grateful to our entire FAA team. Even during a time of record-breaking traffic, their unwavering commitment keeps the system running safely,"
Weather Forecast
According to the FOX Forecast Center, two storms are threatening over the holiday with possible road impacts, although the full extent is unclear. The first storm system is expected to develop next Monday, November 24th, bringing rain to the Southern Plains while moving into the Southeast and possibly the Mid-Atlantic or Northeast through Tuesday. A second storm system is also arriving Monday, bringing more rain and colder conditions to the Pacific Northwest, while the West, Northeast, Mid-Atlantic and parts of the Southeast are expected to have a drier Thanksgiving Day.
Travel Tips
The FAA reminds travelers to pack their patience and arrive at the airport early so they have enough time to check in their luggage and contact TSA. For leisure travel tips and information, visit the FAA’s newly updated leisure travel page.
