Upcoming Holiday Travel Forecast and Tips
In preparation for the upcoming winter holiday season from December 20 to January 2, U.S. airlines have been gearing up to accommodate over 39 million passengers, as reported by Airlines…
In preparation for the upcoming winter holiday season from December 20 to January 2, U.S. airlines have been gearing up to accommodate over 39 million passengers, as reported by Airlines for America. Representing major U.S. carriers, Airlines for America (A4A) anticipates a surge in air travel, projecting a daily average of 2.8 million passengers. That's a 16 percent increase from the previous year, according to their news release.
Holiday Travel Forecast
Highlighting the anticipated peak periods, the busiest days are forecasted to be on Thursday, December 21, and Friday, December 22, leading up to Christmas, as well as from Tuesday, December 26, through Friday, December 29, following Christmas, with an expected 3 million passengers per day.
Recognizing the heightened travel activity, A4A offers valuable tips for travelers to make sure travelers have a smooth journey. Firstly, they suggest that travelers stay informed about weather conditions. They emphasized that while airlines make every effort to adhere to schedules, safety concerns may result in flight delays or cancellations.
Additionally, they recommend downloading the airline's mobile app to receive real-time updates on boarding times, gate assignments, and other announcements. Stressing the importance of time management, they suggest allowing extra time for travel. This is especially important if travelers are relying on car services. A4A noted that there’s an increased demand during the holiday season. Being mindful of heavy airport traffic and potential construction-related challenges in parking garages is also important for self-driving travelers.
Further suggestions include packing snacks and an empty water bottle and anticipating potential closures of airport vendors during the holidays. For those enrolled in TSA PreCheck, they encourage travelers to confirm the TSA checkmark on the boarding pass for a streamlined and expedited security screening process. Lastly, they recommend reserving airport parking in advance to secure a spot.
Take a look at more tips and information from Airlines for America here.
