What’s New
This year’s holiday season is projected to set records for travel with tens of millions of Americans expected to head for the roads and skies.
Why It Matters
Holiday travel has ramped up since the COVID-19 pandemic which crushed the travel industry. The expected record-high travel this holiday season is a good sign for U.S. airlines’ profits.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) predicted in its 2024-2044 forecast that U.S. airlines will “remain profitable over the next few years as rising demand—despite higher fares—more than offsets higher costs for labor and fuel.”
What To Know
The American Automobile Association (AAA) expects over 119 million people will travel at least 50 miles from their homes between Saturday and New Year’s Day. This would exceed the previous holiday season record set in 2019.
Meanwhile, the Airlines for America trade group predicts 54 million U.S. airline passengers during a 19-day period that started Thursday and goes until January 6. That would be a travel record for U.S. airlines and a 6 percent increase over 2023.
Meanwhile, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) predicted it would screen 40 million airline passengers over the holidays and through January 2.
Travelers wade through the south security checkpoint in Denver International Airport on December 19, 2024, in Denver. This year’s holiday season is projected to set records for travel with tens of millions of Americans headed for the roads and skies.
AP Photo/David Zalubowski
Busiest Days To Travel
Airlines predict that their busiest days to travel will be on Friday and Sunday, days before Christmas which is on Wednesday. It is an unusual year because the first day of Hanukkah falls on Christmas Day. December 26, 27 and 29 are also expected to be the busiest.
Looming Government Shutdown
U.S. lawmakers have until Friday at midnight to pass a spending bill before the government starts to shut down. While a potential government shutdown would likely be too close to the holidays to immediately affect flights and airport operations, air travel could be impacted if a shutdown dragged on.
Most TSA workers at airports, air traffic controllers and customs agents would be required to work without pay if a shutdown ensues since they are considered essential. But, more uncompensated workers might call out sick if the shutdown is drawn out, which could lead to travel delays, including longer security lines.
What People Are Saying
AAA spokesperson Aixa Diaz told The Associated Press (AP), “Airline travel is just really high right now, but most people do drive to their destinations, and that is true for every holiday.”
The nationwide average for a gallon of gas was $3.05 on Thursday, similar to the $3.08 a gallon it was a year ago, according to AAA.
Diaz said that AAA advises travelers to “continue with their holiday plans, even if the [government] shutdown materializes,” adding, “Airport operations will continue as normal, but perhaps run a bit slower than usual, so travelers should be aware of that.”
TSA spokesman Carter Langston said in a statement, “While our personnel have prepared to handle high volumes of travelers and ensure safe travel, an extended shutdown could mean longer wait times at airports.”
What Happens Next
With airline fares increasing, people may want to plan their trips for 2025 a few months in advance, when tickets are typically cheaper.
Laura Motta, an editor at travel-guide publisher Lonely Planet, told the AP, “Because travel is so popular, you’re not going to find anything that feels very rock-bottom, but January and February are great times to plan for March, April and May.”
This article includes reporting from The Associated Press.
This post was originally published on here
