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Thanksgiving travel: Here are Tuesday’s flight delay, cancellations numbers

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Thanksgiving travel: Here are Tuesday’s flight delay, cancellations numbers

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As millions of Americans prepare to hit the road or take to the skies this Thanksgiving week, early reports are signaling little to no travel disruptions nationwide.

Only 25U.S. flights were canceled at 7 a.m., and another 366were delayed, according to flight-tracking website FlightAware. These are very optimistic numbers for the Tuesday before Thanksgiving.

Active weather is expected to complicate plans in several regions, with wintry mix and slush in parts of the Midwest and rain causing delays along the East Coast.

Airlines have urged travelers to check flight statuses before heading to the airport, but they haven’t issued waivers for changes or cancellations due to weather concerns. Meanwhile, the Transportation Security Administration is bracing for record passenger numbers, urging travelers to arrive early and pack smart.

“Thanksgiving is the busiest holiday for travel, and this year we’re expecting to set new records across the board, from driving to flying and cruising,” said Stacey Barber, vice president of AAA Travel, in a statement. “Americans reconnect with family and friends over Thanksgiving, and travel is a big part of that. AAA continues to see travel demand soar post-pandemic with our members looking for new adventures and memorable vacations.”

Stay with USA TODAY for live updates on delays, cancellations, and tips to make your Thanksgiving travel as smooth as possible. Check back regularly for the latest developments to avoid surprises on your journey.

What day will be the busiest one to fly?

The busiest day for air travel will be Sunday, Dec. 1, while the least busy day will be Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 28; Black Friday, Nov. 29; and Tuesday, Dec. 3.

For Thanksgiving week, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport and Denver International Airport are expected to be the busiest airports, especially in the morning between 8 a.m. and noon, according to Hopper.

What is the DOT Dashboard?

The Department of Transportation created a dashboard for travelers to have easy access to information about services that U.S. airlines provide in the case of cancellations or delays

Click here to access the DOT Cancellation and Delay Dashboard.

A new rule from the DOT that went into effect at the end of October requires airlines to refund passengers if their flight is significantly delayed for reasons within the carrier’s control and also makes airlines more responsible for following their own customer commitments in those cases.

What is a significant delay?

The DOT defines a significant delay as a departure or arrival that is three hours late or more for a domestic flight, or six hours late or more for an international flight.

What is a controllable delay?

According to the DOT a controllable delay is one caused by the airline itself. Controllable reasons include maintenance or crew problems, cabin cleaning, baggage loading and fueling. Things like weather or air traffic control flow programs do not count against the airline.

What am I entitled to if my flight is delayed?

If your flight is delayed significantly for a reason in the airline’s control, you are entitled to a refund if you choose not to travel. If you decide to stick it out, you may still be entitled to some compensation or accommodation, including rebooking on another flight or airline at no cost, meal and lodging vouchers for qualifying delays and other benefits.

No U.S. 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 all major U.S. airlines’ policies.

What to do if your flight is delayed

Your best bet is to know your airline’s policies before your trip and be your own advocate. Get in touch with the airline however you can, whether it’s through the app, through social media, by phone or at the airport help desk if you’re already on your way. It’s usually a good idea to have some alternative flights in mind when you speak to an agent, and be sure to ask for any accommodation or refunds you may be entitled to if you plan to take advantage of those policies.

What is a controllable cancellation?

According to the DOT a controllable cancellation is one caused by the airline itself. Controllable reasons include maintenance or crew problems, cabin cleaning, baggage loading and fueling. Things like weather or air traffic control flow programs do not count against the airline.

What am I entitled to if my flight is canceled?

If your flight is canceled for any reason, whether it’s controllable by the airline or not, you are entitled to a refund if you choose not to travel. If you decide to stick it out, you may still be entitled to some compensation or accommodation, including rebooking on another flight or airline at no cost, meal and lodging vouchers for qualifying delays and other benefits.

No U.S. 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 as a result of a flight cancellation.

The DOT has a dashboard that outlines all major U.S. airlines’ policies.

What to do if your flight is canceled

Your best bet is to know your airline’s policies before your trip and be your own advocate. Get in touch with the airline however you can, whether it’s through the app, through social media, by phone or at the airport help desk if you’re already on your way. It’s usually a good idea to have some alternative flights in mind when you speak to an agent, and be sure to ask for any accommodation or refunds you may be entitled to if you plan to take advantage of those policies.

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