A normal Thanksgiving? Mass flight cancellations end as holiday rush nears
In the wake of a tumultuous government shutdown that caused widespread flight cancellations and chaos at airports, the air travel landscape is beginning to stabilize just in time for the Thanksgiving holiday. Last weekend, travelers faced significant disruptions, including lengthy taxiway backups and a surge in cancellations. However, as the government reopened, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) lifted flight cancellation requirements for 40 major airports, attributing this positive turn to a steady improvement in air traffic control staffing. FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford noted that air traffic controllers, who had been working without pay during the shutdown, were now returning to work, allowing airlines to resume normal operations. As of early Monday, November 16, airlines were cleared to operate full schedules, a welcome change ahead of the expected influx of 31 million passengers during the Thanksgiving rush.
The improvement in air travel was evident over the past weekend, with cancellation rates aligning closely with typical travel patterns, contrasting sharply with the chaos observed just a week prior. Industry insiders were initially concerned about potential lingering effects from the shutdown, but the data indicated a remarkable rebound in operations. Airlines, including Delta and United, began phasing out flexible travel waivers that had allowed passengers greater freedom to change or cancel their travel plans during the shutdown. While travelers still have rights to refunds in cases of cancellations or significant delays, the extra flexibility is now largely a thing of the past.
Despite the optimistic outlook for Thanksgiving travel, experts advise passengers to remain vigilant and prepared for any unexpected disruptions, particularly due to potential adverse weather conditions. The FAA continues to grapple with a long-term staffing shortage that could lead to delays, especially during peak travel times. Travelers are encouraged to utilize airline apps for real-time updates and consider signing up for TSA PreCheck to expedite their airport experience. As the holiday approaches, planning ahead and arriving early at the airport will be crucial, especially on the busy Sunday after Thanksgiving, which is typically the year’s most congested travel day. While the recent improvements are promising, the aftermath of the shutdown has left some travelers reconsidering their plans, suggesting that the impact of the recent chaos may linger as families prepare to reunite over the holiday.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b9P9-juMRek
What a difference a week makes.
Last Monday, we were coming off one of the most chaotic weekends at airports in several years, as the government shutdown
fueled mass flight cancellations
— and plenty of concern about Thanksgiving travel.
It’s safe to say that things are now looking up, with just 10 days to go until Turkey Day.
Early Monday, the Federal Aviation Administration stopped requiring airlines to cancel flights at 40 of the nation’s largest airports.
The move came amid a “steady decline in staffing concerns” at air traffic control facilities across the country, FAA administrator Bryan Bedford said.
A plane takes off at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA). ERIC LEE/BLOOMBERG/GETTY IMAGES
During the shutdown, air traffic controllers worked without pay, and workers increasingly called out as the government failed to reopen for weeks. This fueled flight disruptions across the country and prompted the FAA to
limit the number of flights airlines could operate
.
But as the
government reopened
, things quickly improved at airports.
This past weekend, air travel was dramatically smoother than the prior weekend of Nov. 8 and 9, when passengers faced multihour taxiway backups, mounting cancellations and sleepless nights in airport terminals.
Airlines were allowed to return to flying a full schedule as of 6 a.m. EST on Monday.
And it came not a moment too soon: Beginning Friday, airlines expect to welcome a record 31 million passengers at airports for the Thanksgiving rush, a trade group for the largest carriers said this month.
‘All systems a go’ for Thanksgiving
Some industry insiders had feared travelers might run into some
lingering shutdown-related snafus
.
The early numbers, though, point to a major air travel rebound — one that could bode well for the holiday.
Date
FAA alerts for low air traffic control staffing
Saturday, Nov. 8
81*
Sunday, Nov. 16
1*
*Source: FAA.
On Sunday, cancellation rates at many of the largest U.S. airports were mostly in line with a normal travel weekend.
Date
Percentage of flights canceled on U.S. airlines
Jan. 1 to Sept. 30 (preshutdown)
1.6**
Oct. 1 to 30 (early shutdown)
1.3**
Oct. 31 to Nov. 10 (late shutdown)
3.2**
**Source: FlightAware.
Flexible travel waivers end
As operations returned to normal, airlines — as expected — began winding down flexible travel waivers that allowed customers more freedom to make ticket changes and get refunds during the shutdown.
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). MARIO TAMA/GETTY IMAGES
Travel waivers at Delta Air Lines and United Airlines ended on Sunday. American Airlines’ advisory also came to an end.
Refund rules still in effect
Customers still have rights, of course.
All passengers are
owed a refund
if they opt not to travel after a cancellation or significant delay.
But the
extra flexibility available to consumers
during the shutdown has, for the most part, come to an end ahead of the holiday.
Thanksgiving 2025 travel: What to know
Despite the rosier outlook for Thanksgiving, it’s still wise to be prepared for the unexpected.
Mother Nature can always throw a wrench in holiday travelers’ plans, especially if a bad weather system hits the congested Northeast.
And, keep in mind: The FAA still has a long-term air traffic control staffing shortage that can lead to flight delays on any given day (especially when there’s foul weather).
Make use of your airline’s app
If I had plans to travel for Thanksgiving, I’d continue to keep a hawkish eye on my airline app for any signs of flight trouble. This is key to rebooking yourself and getting your trip back on track if problems pop up.
Save time with TSA PreCheck
If you have
TSA PreCheck
access, make sure your
Known Traveler Number
is attached to your reservation. Also, sign up for the ultra-speedy
TSA PreCheck Touchless ID
initiative through your airline profile if you’re flying out of participating airports.
Read more:
What to do if a boarding pass isn’t marked TSA PreCheck
Passengers wait at a TSA checkpoint at Dulles International Airport (IAD) near Washington, D.C. SHA HANTING/CHINA NEWS SERVICE VCG/GETTY IMAGES
All travelers can monitor checkpoint wait times using the
MyTSA app,
which should be operational again now that the shutdown has ended.
Plan ahead for the busiest day at airports
Finally, plan to arrive at the airport early, especially if you’re flying on Sunday, Nov. 30. Typically, the Sunday after Thanksgiving is the busiest travel day of the year.
Any apprehension among travelers?
Over the holidays, it’s worth watching whether the crowds will be any thinner in the wake of the shutdown. In a
recent TPG survey with YouGov
, a large portion of travelers reported they’d canceled, rebooked or reconsidered their holiday trip plans as a result of the recent chaos.
Airlines in hot water?
Could airlines be in trouble for running too smooth an operation?
Sure, passengers were happy to see air travel return to (somewhat) normal this past weekend.
ERIC LEE/BLOOMBERG/GETTY IMAGES
However, the numbers were so good at some airports that it’s raising eyebrows in Washington, D.C.
Over the weekend, the Trump administration was technically still
requiring airlines to cancel 3% of flights
at 40 major hubs as part of a gradual return to full flight schedules.
According to FlightAware data, though, the cancellation rates failed to even reach 1% at many large airports, which suggests some airlines didn’t cancel as many flights as they were supposed to.
The FAA on Sunday said it was “aware of reports of non-compliance” by airlines and that it was “reviewing and assessing enforcement options.”
Related reading:
The best time to book flights for the cheapest airfare
Best airline credit cards
What exactly are airline miles, anyway?
6 real-life strategies you can use when your flight is canceled or delayed
Maximize your airfare: The best credit cards for booking flights
The best credit cards to reach elite status
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
