As millions of Americans prepare to hit the road or take to the skies this Thanksgiving week, early reports indicate minor travel disruptions across the country.
Only 19 U.S. flights had been canceled as of 6:30 a.m. ET and one more 302 were delayed, according to flight tracking website FlightAware. These are very optimistic numbers for the Wednesday before Thanksgiving.
A storm that pounded California’s Sierra Nevada with snow on Tuesday took aim at the Colorado Rockies and could roll eastward on Thanksgiving Day and hit the Appalachians.
Airlines have urged travelers to check flight status before heading to the airport, but have not issued waivers for changes or cancellations due to weather. Meanwhile, the Transportation Security Administration is bracing for record numbers of passengers and urging travelers to arrive early and pack smart.
Stick with USA TODAY for live updates on delays, cancellations and tips to make your Thanksgiving trip as smooth as possible. Check back regularly for the latest developments to avoid surprises during your trip.
How many people travel for Thanksgiving?
Nearly 80 million Americans are predicted to travel this year – 1.7 million more than last year and two million more than in 2019, according to AAA.
“Thanksgiving is the busiest holiday for travel, and this year we expect to set new records across the board, from driving to flying and cruising,” Stacey Barber, vice president of AAA Travel, said in a statement. “Americans reconnect with family and friends during Thanksgiving, and travel is a big part of that. AAA travel demand continues to rise post-pandemic, with our members looking for new adventures and unforgettable vacations.”
Travelers at Southwest Florida International Airport on Wednesday, November 20, 2024.
Which day will be the busiest for flying?
The busiest day for air travel is Sunday, December 1, while the least busy day is Thanksgiving Day, November 28; Black Friday, November 29; and Tuesday, December 3.
According to Hopper, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport and Denver International Airport are expected to be the busiest airports during Thanksgiving week, especially in the morning between 8 a.m. and noon.
What is the DOT dashboard?
The Department of Transportation has created a dashboard that allows travelers to easily access information about the services that US airlines provide in the event of cancellations or delays
Click here to access the DOT cancellation and delay dashboard.
A new DOT rule that went into effect in late October requires airlines to refund passengers if their flight is significantly delayed for reasons beyond the airline’s control. It also makes airlines more responsible for meeting their own customer obligations in those cases.
What is a significant delay?
The DOT defines a significant delay as a departure or arrival that is three hours or more late for a domestic flight, or six hours or more late for an international flight.
What is a manageable delay?
According to the DOT, a controllable delay is one caused by the airline itself. Controllable reasons include maintenance or crew issues, cabin cleaning, baggage loading and refueling. Things like weather or air traffic control programs don’t count for the airline.
What am I entitled to if my flight is delayed?
If your flight is significantly delayed for a reason within the airline’s control, you are entitled to a refund if you choose not to travel. If you decide to hang in there, you may still be entitled to some compensation or accommodation, including free rebooking to another flight or airline, meal and accommodation vouchers for eligible delays, and other benefits.
No US airlines currently offer cash compensation for delays, but the big four (American, Delta, Southwest and United) all offer hotel and ground transportation vouchers for overnight delays.
The DOT has a dashboard that outlines the policies of all major U.S. airlines.
What to do if your flight is delayed
It is best to learn about your airline’s policies before your trip and be your own advocate. Contact the airline in any way possible, via the app, via social media, by phone or at the airport helpdesk if you are already on the road. It’s usually a good idea to have some alternative flights in mind when speaking to an agent, and make sure you ask about any accommodation or refunds you may be entitled to if you plan to use making this policy.
What is a verifiable cancellation?
According to the DOT, a manageable cancellation is one caused by the airline itself. Controllable reasons include maintenance or crew issues, cabin cleaning, baggage loading and refueling. Things like weather or air traffic control programs don’t count for the airline.
What am I entitled to if my flight is cancelled?
If your flight is canceled for any reason, whether under the airline’s control or not, you are entitled to a refund if you choose not to travel. If you decide to hang in there, you may still be entitled to some compensation or accommodation, including free rebooking to another flight or airline, meal and accommodation vouchers for eligible delays, and other benefits.
No US airlines currently offer cash compensation for delays, but the big four (American, Delta, Southwest and United) all offer hotel and ground transportation vouchers for overnight stays due to a flight cancellation.
The DOT has a dashboard that outlines the policies of all major U.S. airlines.
What should you do if your flight is cancelled?
It is best to learn about your airline’s policies before your trip and be your own advocate. Contact the airline in any way possible, via the app, via social media, by phone or at the airport helpdesk if you are already on the road. It’s usually a good idea to have some alternative flights in mind when speaking to an agent, and make sure you ask about any accommodation or refunds you may be entitled to if you plan to use making this policy.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Flight delays today: Airline updates for holiday delays and cancellations
