U.S. Airlines fully prepared for winter holiday season demand

Friday, December 15, 2023

U.S. airlines have diligently prepared for the upcoming winter holiday season, spanning from December 20, 2023, to January 2, 2024, and are poised to accommodate over 39 million travelers. Airlines for America (A4A), representing the leading U.S. passenger and cargo carriers, anticipates approximately 2.8 million passengers taking flight each day during the festive period, marking a substantial 16 percent increase from the previous year. The most bustling travel days are expected to be Thursday, December 21, and Friday, December 22, just prior to Christmas, as well as Tuesday, December 26, through Friday, December 29, following the holiday, with an estimated 3 million passengers daily.

In addition to facilitating passenger travel, A4A member carriers are working tirelessly to facilitate the swift transportation of various packages, including gifts and Christmas treats, worldwide this holiday season. On a daily basis, U.S. airlines move an impressive 59,000 tons of commodities, encompassing high-value electronics, fresh food, flowers, live animals, and essential medical supplies, to destinations across the globe.

U.S. airlines have diligently undertaken several measures in preparation for the unprecedented demand during the holiday season. These include:

1. Aggressively hiring to ensure adequate staffing levels, resulting in the largest workforce for U.S. passenger airlines in the last two decades. Hiring rates have been 3.5 times higher than the overall U.S. job growth. Further details about the industry’s workforce investment can be found here.
2. Adapting schedules to align with passenger demand, address air traffic control (ATC) staffing challenges, and prioritize operational efficiency.
3. Investing in cutting-edge technology, such as mobile apps, to facilitate efficient communication with travelers.

For Travelers, Here Are Some Tips:

1. Monitor weather conditions: Safety remains the utmost priority for the industry. Airlines make every effort to ensure punctual departures and arrivals, but if weather conditions pose a safety risk for flights or crews, flights will not proceed. Additional information is available here.
2. Download your airline’s mobile app: After purchasing a ticket, remember to download your airline’s mobile app. U.S. airlines have heavily invested in their apps, providing passengers with real-time updates, including boarding times, gate numbers, and important announcements.
3. Allocate ample time: If utilizing a car service, factor in extra time, as they tend to be quite busy during the holiday travel season. When driving to the airport yourself, account for potential congestion and construction in parking garages.
4. Pack snacks and an empty water bottle: Given the holiday season, some airport vendors may be closed. Carry snacks and an empty water bottle to refill after passing through security.
5. Include TSA PreCheck in your reservation: If you are enrolled in TSA PreCheck, ensure the TSA checkmark is on your boarding pass before arriving at the airport for a smoother and expedited security screening.
6. Reserve parking: Certain airports offer reserved parking options. Check your airport’s website to determine if you can reserve a parking spot, saving you time upon arrival at the airport.

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