The Air Transport Association of America (ATA), the industry trade association for the leading U.S. airlines, said that it expects full planes, desipte a 10 percent year-over-year decrease in the number of passengers traveling on U.S. airlines during the 2008 Thanksgiving holiday season.
Based on sample data, the three busiest travel days surrounding Thanksgiving Day are expected to be Sunday, Nov. 30, Monday, Dec. 1, and Wednesday, Nov. 26, respectively. On these days, ATA projects that planes will be, on average, close to 90 percent full.
“Despite the expected decline in passengers this Thanksgiving holiday travel season – the first such decline in seven years - Thanksgiving remains the busiest travel time of the year for airlines,” said ATA President and CEO James C. May. “And make no mistake – the airports will be busy and many flights will be 100 percent full.”
May added that the softer economy is having an impact on consumer buying decisions at the same time carriers have cut back their schedules in response to economic pressures. “With fewer flights operating, that should provide some relief to the air traffic management system. I am confident that with a little good weather, complemented by the shared commitment of airlines, airports and our government to improve on-time performance, Thanksgiving travel should be safe and enjoyable,” said May.
ATA is hoping that the government will once again open up military airspace to help further ease congestion. In the event of system delays, airlines will keep travelers informed of flight and schedule changes.
Beyond air traffic management initiatives, airlines will continue to work with TSA to help speed up the process at security checkpoints.
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