Airlines expect a record 31 million flyers over Thanksgiving. Here’s what to do if your flight gets delayed or canceled.
As the Thanksgiving holiday approaches, airlines are gearing up for an unprecedented travel surge, with an estimated 31 million passengers expected to fly between November 21 and December 1, 2023. This record-breaking number translates to approximately 2.8 million travelers taking to the skies each day, creating a significant demand for air travel services. Airlines for America, the primary lobbying group for major U.S. carriers, highlights that this increase necessitates around 45,000 additional daily seats, with the busiest travel days anticipated for the Sunday and Monday following Thanksgiving. United Airlines has reported that it expects to serve 6.6 million customers during this period, marking its highest Thanksgiving traffic ever, with popular destinations including Orlando, Las Vegas, and Boston. Similarly, American Airlines plans to operate nearly 81,000 flights over the holiday, including added late-night services to accommodate the influx of travelers.
While the reopening of government operations has alleviated some concerns regarding air traffic control disruptions, the industry still faces challenges. Currently, the air traffic control workforce is about 3,000 controllers short, and many facilities are still reliant on outdated technology. This situation raises the potential for delays and cancellations, particularly as Thanksgiving travel is notoriously busy and can lead to bottlenecks throughout the system. Weather poses another significant threat this year, with AccuWeather forecasting potential thunderstorms, snow, and wind storms that could disrupt flights nationwide. Travelers are reminded of the importance of knowing their rights in the event of flight disruptions. For instance, if a flight is canceled, airlines are legally obligated to provide a cash refund, while policies for delays can vary significantly. Passengers are encouraged to utilize airline mobile apps for rebooking and to stay informed about their flight status through automatic updates.
In light of the anticipated travel chaos, travelers should be proactive in understanding their options. Utilizing travel insurance through credit cards, such as the Chase Sapphire Reserve or American Express Platinum, can provide coverage for unexpected expenses due to flight disruptions. Additionally, passengers are advised to familiarize themselves with airline contact numbers and consider reaching out via mobile apps or online chat to avoid long wait times. With these preparations in place, travelers can hope to enjoy a smooth and joyful Thanksgiving holiday, focusing on family and festivities rather than flight frustrations.
Airlines are expecting more than 30 million passengers during the Thanksgiving travel period.
KAMIL KRZACZYNSKI / AFP via Getty Images
Thanksgiving air travel is set to break records as 31 million people are expected to fly.
With the government reopened, it’s unlikely lingering shutdown chaos will affect flights.
Here’s some tips in case your flight schedule is disrupted.
Hopefully, the only thing
stuffed this Thanksgiving
is your turkey, not your flight schedule.
Airlines for America, the main lobbying group for major US carriers, is predicting a record-breaking year for holiday travel as an estimated 31 million people fly between November 21 and December 1.
That’s about 2.8 million passengers a day queuing at check-in and
security
and vying for lounge space. The demand requires about 45,000 more daily seats, with the Sunday and Monday after Thanksgiving being the busiest days to fly.
United Airlines said in its holiday forecast to the media that it expects 6.6 million customers — its busiest Thanksgiving to date. It said Orlando, Las Vegas, and Boston are its top destinations.
American Airlines
said it plans to operate nearly 81,000 flights over the Thanksgiving holiday and has added late-night flights to Phoenix and Chicago to meet demand.
More seats booked mean a greater chance for your flight to be delayed or canceled.
Air traffic control facilities are staffed again after the weekslong government shutdown, but the workforce remains about
3,000 controllers short
and still utilizes outdated technology.
This caused mass disruptions at airports like Newark and Washington, DC, before the shutdown led to even greater chaos.
Because Thanksgiving is notoriously busy compared to a normal day, it’s not uncommon for bottlenecks to develop and spread throughout the system.
Winter weather is the main threat this year. The weather forecasting company AccuWeather warned that strong thunder, snow, and wind storms could impact flights across the country. The Dallas/Fort Worth area experienced hundreds of delays on Monday after thunderstorms hit the city.
During the
2024 Thanksgiving week
, a snowstorm caused thousands of flight disruptions. Still, volume-related problems were largely absent from last year’s Thanksgiving travel period — and airlines and customers are hoping for a similarly tame week.
However, it’s good to know your passenger rights and your options when things don’t go according to plan.
Know your rights as a passenger
Opt into automatic flight updates via text or email so you don’t miss a flight delay or cancellation notification.
JOSEPH PREZIOSO/AFP via Getty Images
If your flight is canceled and you choose not to rebook, the airline is legally required to provide you with a cash refund — not a voucher or credit.
However, things are different for delays. The Trump Administration recently
killed a proposal
that would have required airlines to compensate passengers for long delays, so flyers largely have to rely on airline goodwill or their credit cards to get anything for the inconvenience.
Some airlines have committed to providing accommodations, transportation, and food during a controllable overnight delay or cancellation, as outlined in the
Airline Customer Service Dashboard
.
Controllable disruptions include issues such as maintenance or crew staffing. Frontier Airlines is the only carrier that does not offer accommodations in the event of a controllable overnight delay or cancellation, but it will provide a meal voucher.
It still doesn’t hurt to ask for a meal or hotel voucher during a non-controllable issue, such as the weather. The worst they can say is no.
Use your airline’s mobile app to change or cancel your flight
United mobile app.
United Airlines
During disruptions, airlines often allow you to make changes via their mobile app or website, rather than having to wait on clogged phone lines or in long customer service lines.
If this isn’t an option, try an online chat. Carriers like Delta Air Lines allow you to text a representative for help.
You can put yourself in the virtual queue and wait in line at the airport, potentially upping your chances of speaking with an agent sooner.
Here are the phone numbers for each airline:
Alaska: 1-800-252-7522 or text 82008
Allegiant: 1-702-505-8888
American: 1-800-433-7300
Avelo: 1-346-616-9500
Breeze: No phone number to call, but you can text the airline at 501-273-3931.
Delta: 1-800-221-1212
Frontier: No phone number. The best way to contact Frontier is via online chat or email.
JetBlue: 1-800-538-2583
Southwest: 1-800-435-9792
Spirit: 1-855-728-3555
Sun Country: 1-651-905-2737
United: 1-800-864-8331
Check if you have travel insurance through your credit card
Passport and Chase Sapphire Reserve credit card
Evgenia Parajanian/Shutterstock
Travel credit cards, like the
Chase Sapphire Reserve
and the American Express Platinum, offer built-in insurance that reimburses travelers for hotel, meal, and transportation expenses incurred during certain flight disruptions.
Weather is typically a covered event. For this to work, the traveler would have needed to book their flight with that travel card.
If your credit card doesn’t provide travel insurance, it can be worthwhile to
buy a separate trip insurance policy
before traveling. This type of insurance can help reimburse costs you might lose due to flight problems, such as prepaid hotel stays or cruise bookings.
However, you must purchase this insurance before any travel disruptions occur — once you know a flight might be affected, it’s likely too late.
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