A new report has found that major United States airlines and the Transportation Security Administration are preparing for a record number of travelers over the Thanksgiving holiday week.
Airlines for America, a group that represents major airlines, including Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, and United Airlines, is predicting that 29.9 million passengers will take to the skies from Nov. 17 to the 27, Reuters reported.
If forecasts hold true, that would be an increase of 9%, up from the 27.5 million seen over the same time last year.
The TSA is also predicting similar numbers in its 12-day forecast ending Nov. 28. The agency said that it is expecting the busiest ever one-day screening over the nearly two weeks of increased travel.
A forecast from AAA also showed that travel is going to be hectic, with 55.4 million Americans expected to travel throughout the holiday week.
“For many Americans, Thanksgiving and travel go hand in hand, and this holiday, we expect more people on the roads, skies, and seas compared to 2022,” Paula Twidale, Senior Vice President of AAA Travel, shared in the forecast. “Travel demand has been strong all year, and AAA’s Thanksgiving forecast reflects that continued desire to get away and spend time with loved ones.”
Nov. 26 is expected to be a record-setting air travel day, with 3.2 million passengers expected to take to the skies, Airlines for America shared.
“U.S. airlines have been hiring aggressively to make sure we have the right people in the right place at the right time. Our more than 800,000 employees are ready to ensure you have a safe and seamless journey this Thanksgiving!” the group shared in a post on X.
However, a wrench could be thrown into the mix as a government shutdown is looming if Congress isn’t able to pass a funding bill by this Friday.
If the government were to shut down, more than 13,000 air traffic controllers and 50,000 TSA workers, who are paid by the federal government, would be forced to continue to work despite not getting their paychecks.
If this were to happen, airports would feel the impact, slowing down the millions of expected travelers.
“We are quickly approaching what is forecasted to be the busiest travel period since before the pandemic, and it’s critical that policymakers work together to avoid a shutdown and support continued, safe, and efficient airport operations,” Kevin M. Burke, president and CEO of the Airports Council International-North America, told The Hill.