Holiday Travel Chaos Grips Major US Airports
As the holiday season approaches, millions of Americans are facing travel chaos as major airports across the nation are experiencing cancellations and delays. From New York to Los Angeles, fliers trying to make it home for Christmas are being met with havoc.
Record-Breaking Holiday Travel
This year marks a record for holiday travel, with 122. 4 million Americans expected to travel at least 50 miles from their homes during the 13-day period between December 20 and January 1, according to AAA. This is a 2. 2% increase from last year’s 119. 7 million travelers and the most travelers in the last 15 years. While the majority of travelers (109. 5 million) are expected to drive to their destinations, approximately 8. 03 million Americans will travel by air, a 2. 3% increase from 2024.
Airport Mayhem
People have already been experiencing airport mayhem in the days leading up to the holiday. According to FlightAware, there have been over 2,800 delays and 80 cancellations for flights within, entering, or leaving the US on Tuesday. Monday was one of the worst travel days of the year, with over 6,000 delays and 730 cancellations.
Route from New Jersey to Fort Lauderdale is Most Problematic
According to an AAA analysis, the route from New Jersey to Fort Lauderdale is the most problematic for holiday travel. This was evident for a woman trying to depart from New York’s LaGuardia International Airport on Monday when her flight to Fort Lauderdale was canceled. She told Fox 5, “We’re over here in the process of rebooking with different airlines and trying to get back home for the holidays. It’s very busy, but we are trying to be okay with manners and communicating, but it can be quite aggravating at times. ” Last December, flights on this route averaged a 37-minute delay, according to FlightAware data. This year, the surge in travelers has particularly affected airports in New York and New Jersey.
Delays Across the Nation
As of Tuesday afternoon, multiple airports nationwide are experiencing ground and departure delays. San Francisco International Airport is experiencing a ground delay of an average of 80 minutes due to high winds, with gusts up to 35 mph and expected to reach 55 mph. San Diego-Lindbergh Field is experiencing an average delay of 15 minutes, and the FAA has warned that delays will increase due to airspace capacity constraints. Departures from Southwest Florida International and Miami International airports are also facing delays. Newark International Airport is experiencing an average delay of 15 minutes, which is expected to increase due to high flight volume and inclement weather conditions.
Conclusion
The surge in holiday travel has caused chaos at major US airports, with cancellations and delays affecting millions of Americans trying to make it home for Christmas.