Thanksgiving Travel Chaos: Government Shutdown Effects on Travelers

As Thanksgiving approaches, travelers are facing potential chaos due to the recent government shutdown, which led to widespread flight cancellations and delays. The Federal Aviation Administration is preparing for its busiest Thanksgiving week in 15 years, with over 360,000 flights scheduled between Monday and next Tuesday, amounting to more than 17.8 million people screened at airports, according to the Transportation Security Administration. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has stated that air traffic controller staffing levels have stabilized, allowing travelers to fly with confidence despite the shutdown's lingering impacts.

AAA projects nearly 90% of travelers will hit the roads this holiday season, translating to an additional 1.3 million travelers compared to last year, bringing the total number of people traveling by car to at least 73 million. This surge in road travel, combined with the potential for winter weather, raises concerns about significant traffic delays. The Weather Channel has noted that severe weather, including flooding rain and thunderstorms, could disrupt airports in major hubs such as Dallas-Fort Worth and Houston. As of Monday, over 750 flights into and out of Dallas-Fort Worth were delayed, and nearly 100 were canceled.

Travel experts recommend that passengers prepare themselves for the holiday travel rush by checking their travel options and being aware of the weather. James Belanger, vice president of meteorology at the Weather Company, suggests that travelers frequently check the forecast, particularly for major airports and highways that could be affected by snow, ice, and rain. The Weather Channel has provided a Thanksgiving weekly forecast indicating areas likely to experience travel disruptions due to weather conditions.

Sheldon H. Jacobson, an airport and airlines operations expert, advises travelers to pack wisely, including double-checking for TSA-restricted items before heading to the airport. He also suggests wrapping gifts at the destination since TSA agents may need to open them for inspection. Furthermore, travelers should ensure they have the proper identification, as a REAL ID is now required to fly within the U.S.

For those choosing to drive, AAA spokesperson Aixa Diaz recommends checking vehicle readiness, including tires and car battery, and leaving for trips as early as possible to avoid peak traffic times, which are expected to be particularly heavy on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving and on the Sunday following the holiday. Additionally, incidents of road rage have been reported, prompting driving instructors to teach students how to manage these stressful situations effectively. Calvin Brewer, a driving instructor in Durham County, emphasizes the importance of staying calm and removing oneself from confrontational situations on the road.

Travelers are encouraged to download their airline's app to stay updated on flight statuses and to leave earlier than needed to alleviate stress during this hectic travel period. The combination of increased traffic, potential weather disruptions, and the fallout from the government shutdown could lead to a challenging Thanksgiving travel experience for many.