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

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

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  • Airlines are prepared for a surge in passenger volume, with Sunday, December 1st, projected as the busiest travel day.
  • Travelers are advised to stay updated on flight statuses and familiarize themselves with airline policies regarding delays and cancellations.
  • The Department of Transportation’s new dashboard provides comprehensive information on airline services during disruptions.

As millions of Americans prepare to hit the road or take to the skies post-Thanksgiving, early reports are signaling little travel disruptions nationwide.

Only 25 U.S. flights were canceled by noon ET and another 1,099 were delayed, according to the flight-tracking website FlightAware. These are optimistic numbers for Black Friday.

Some parts of the country got a dusting of snow for Thanksgiving this year as a winter storm moving towards the Northeast brought wintry storms to parts of the Midwest and Northeast on Thursday evening. The Thanksgiving Day storm unleashed rain and snow on New Englanders as they sat down for dinner. 

Airlines have urged travelers to check flight statuses before heading to the airport, with a few issuing waivers for changes or cancellations due to weather concerns.

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

What airlines have issued travel waivers for Thanksgiving?

As Colorado experiences heavy snow, some carriers, including United Airlines and Southwest Airlines, have issued waivers for travelers going to and from the area this Thanksgiving week.

  • Southwest Airlines: Travelers passing through the Montrose Regional Airport (MTJ) and Yampa Valley Regional Airport (HDN) between Nov. 25 and 28 can rebook their travel plans within 14 days of their original travel date for no additional fee.
  • United Airlines: Travelers passing through Aspen/Pitkin County Airport (ASE), Eagle County Regional Airport (EGE), Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional Airport (GUC), Yampa Valley Regional Airport (HDN) and Montrose Regional Airport (MTJ) between Nov. 25 and 28 and purchased their ticket on or before Nov. 24 can reschedule their trip with no change fees or fare difference. New flights must depart between Nov. 24 and Dec. 1.

TSA reminders

TSA projects Sunday as one of the busiest travel days.

“Many members of the TSA workforce will be on duty throughout Thanksgiving Day and week and I am immensely grateful for their selfless dedication and professionalism,” Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas said in a news release. “I encourage travelers to plan ahead, follow TSA’s travel tips, and take advantage of programs like TSA PreCheck – simple steps that will make everyone’s journey smoother, our skies safer, and TSA’s job easier.”

As a reminder:

  • TSA advises passengers to start packing with an empty bag, to reduce the likelyhood of bringing prohibited items through a checkpoint.
  • All liquids, gels and aerosols must be 3.4 ounces or less when packed in a carry-on bag.
  • Certain foods, such as gravy, cranberry sauce, wine, jam and preserves – which are considered liquids or gels – must be packed in a checked bag if they exceed 3.4 ounces. 

“If you can spill it, spray it, spread it, pump it or pour it, it is a liquid, aerosol or gel and must be packed in your checked bag if it exceeds the 3.4-ounce limit,” TSA said. “As always, passengers may bring solid foods such as cakes and other baked goods through the checkpoint.”

And yes, breast milk is an exception to the liquids rule.

What day will be the least busiest one to fly?

The busiest day for air travel will be Sunday, Dec. 1, while the least busy day was 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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