Prepare for the Challenges: What Air Travelers Can Expect This Bustling Summer
Get ready to join the crowds in the skies this summer as air travel sees a surge in companionship. Along with the excitement, brace yourself for a few obstacles along the way.
If you're planning to travel by air this summer, be prepared for a crowded experience. You'll have plenty of company and may encounter some challenges along the way.
Memorial Day weekend marks the beginning of the summer travel season, and this year is expected to be exceptionally busy. The Federal Aviation Administration predicts that this holiday weekend will be the busiest in 14 years.
The Transportation Security Administration is gearing up to screen 18 million passengers and crew from Thursday to Wednesday, which is a 6% increase from last year. TSA assures that it is ready for its busiest summer yet.
Both American Airlines and United Airlines are anticipating a 10% increase in passengers during the holiday weekend compared to last year. United is expecting its biggest Memorial Day and summer travel season ever in its 98-year history, as stated by Andrew Nocella, United’s executive vice president and chief commercial officer.
After Memorial Day weekend, don't expect navigating through crowded airports to get any easier.
According to Airlines for America, US airlines are expected to transport 271 million passengers globally from June 1 to August 31. This marks a 6.3% increase from last summer and sets a new record for US airlines.
Airlines for America announced that US carriers will be increasing their number of scheduled flights to over 26,000 a day, which is nearly 1,400 more flights than in summer 2023.
Despite US airlines hiring more staff and the TSA being prepared for the busy summer season, potential challenges such as an air traffic controller shortage, hot weather, and crowded airports may lead to flight disruptions and inconvenience for passengers.
Air traffic controller shortage
The air traffic control tower at Los Angeles International Airport is a busy place. The United States is still short thousands of air traffic control personnel.
The air traffic control tower at Los Angeles International Airport is always bustling with activity. Unfortunately, the United States is facing a shortage of thousands of air traffic control personnel.
Despite a significant increase in hiring last year, air traffic control stations across the country are still facing a shortage of about 3,000 controllers, as reported by the latest FAA data. This shortage highlights the ongoing challenge of filling the gap, which has resulted in flight delays and raised concerns about fatigue playing a role in near collisions on runways.
Controllers at numerous air traffic control facilities are frequently working extra hours due to the current lack of staffing. This shortage is worrying for airlines, controllers, and oversight organizations.
According to Scott Keyes, the founder of the travel website Going, airports in the New York City metro area and in Florida may have a slightly higher likelihood of experiencing air traffic control problems due to the way control maps are divided.
He mentioned in an interview with CNN Travel that he wouldn't let air traffic control issues stop him from traveling to New York or Miami. To avoid potential problems, he suggested booking early morning or nonstop flights for those destinations.
Keyes shared his recent experience of a four-hour delay on his flight to New York a few days ago. Despite the inconvenience, he emphasized that it simply meant arriving at his destination four hours later.
“If I had had a connection in Chicago and my flight was delayed by four hours, I would have missed that connection. And then it’s a much more hairy situation.”
Hot weather and hurricanes
A plane lands at San Francisco International Airport at sunset on May 15. Many parts of the country are expected to experience above-average temperatures this summer. This could potentially impact flights, depending on how hot it gets.
A plane arrives at San Francisco International Airport during sunset on May 15. Much of the country is forecast to have higher-than-average temperatures this summer. That could affect flights depending on how hot it gets.
Many parts of the United States are expected to experience above-average temperatures this summer, with regions like the Northeast and desert Southwest facing higher probabilities.
Extreme heat doesn't just make you feel uncomfortable. It can also affect airlines' ability to stick to their regular schedules, as stated in a report from Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University.
According to Bob Thomas, an assistant professor of aeronautical science, hot air is thin air. This means there is less lift available for planes during takeoff, but the biggest impact is on engine thrust. When it's hot, aircraft engines generate less thrust during takeoff and climb. This means that in order to take off on shorter runways, the aircraft weight would need to be reduced.
WASHINGTON, : High temperatures and heat waves distort the image of a passenger jet as it taxis for take-off at Washington, DC's Ronald Reagan National Airport, 01 August 2002. AFP PHOTO/PAUL J. RICHARDS (Photo credit should read PAUL J. RICHARDS/AFP via Getty Images)
On August 1, 2002, a passenger jet was getting ready for take-off at Ronald Reagan National Airport in Washington, DC. The high temperatures and heat waves caused the image of the jet to appear distorted. This phenomenon was captured in a photo by AFP photographer Paul J. Richards.
Paul J. Richards/AFP/Getty Images
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High temperatures can actually make planes too heavy to take off. To combat this issue, airlines often lighten the load by removing baggage or passengers, especially when temperatures soar. In some cases, flights may even be canceled. To avoid potential disruptions, it is recommended to book early morning or late evening flights when traveling to hot weather zones.
Experts are also cautioning that passengers may experience longer periods of turbulence during flights in the future as the impacts of climate change continue to worsen. According to one atmospheric science professor, we can expect to see the seat belt sign turned on more frequently.
Additionally, meteorologists are warning that we are transitioning from an El Niño cycle in the equatorial Pacific, characterized by warmer waters, to a La Niña period, which features cooler waters. This shift can lead to heightened hurricane activity along the US Gulf and Atlantic coasts.
Forecasters are predicting a very active Atlantic hurricane season, with the possibility of eight to 13 hurricanes. They believe that four to seven of these hurricanes could reach Category 3 strength, which means they will have sustained winds of 111 to 129 mph. (For reference, the hurricane scale goes up to Category 5, with sustained winds of 157 mph or higher.)
As we head into the peak of hurricane season during the summer, it's essential to stay updated on the forecasts, especially if you have any upcoming travel plans.
Crowded airports
Travelers are seen ahead of the Fourth of July holiday weekend at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport last year. Expect a sea of companionship at US airports this summer.
Travelers were spotted at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport last year before the Fourth of July holiday weekend. This summer, US airports are expected to be bustling with people. Get ready for a sea of companionship!
(Image Source: Elijah Nouvelage/AFP/Getty Images)
Passengers will need to pay attention to their ground game this summer, said Keyes.
“Here’s how I put it: Airports are going to be extremely full. Airplanes are only gonna be pretty full.”
The Orchard area within Doha's Hamad International Airport (DOH).
The Orchard area within Doha's Hamad International Airport (DOH).
Hasan Zaidi/Alamy
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Skytrax has released its list of the world's best airports for 2024.
Keyes mentioned that with new plane deliveries and more flights, the load factor will be eased. This year, there is about 10 to 15 percent more capacity compared to last year. This means more seats and more elbow room for travelers, even during the peak travel season.
That won’t help in the crowded airports, though. He has a couple of tips to mitigate that.
First, get TSA PreCheck and/or Fast Track so you can at least bypass possible security line bottlenecks.
Secondly, Keyes enjoys seeking out a peaceful and relaxing area in the airport away from his departure gate to relax before his flight. He finds solace in using the airline's mobile app, which sends him a notification right before boarding begins.
Behold the Roman Empire! Have you been dreaming of visiting the Colosseum and other historical sites in Rome, Italy? Well, this summer might be the perfect time to book your flights to Europe at a lower cost.
Behold the Roman Empire! Have you been wanting to see the Colosseum and other sites in Italy's ancient capital of Rome? Flights there and to other points in Europe might cost you less this summer.
Antonio Masiello/Getty Images
For those flyers who must carefully consider every dollar they spend, they could find the summer of 2024 to be a less expensive one than last year.
Kayak, a travel site, has mentioned that summer fares are expected to be lower this year.
For domestic travelers in the US, fares are projected to decrease by an average of 13% compared to last year. In Mexico, the drop in fares is even more significant, with an average of 16% less. And for those dreaming of a trip to Australia, fares are also falling by an average of 14%, although the average price is still $1,509, according to Kayak.
For those who were put off by the crowds and high prices in Europe last summer, Keyes has some good news. He believes that the pent-up demand from the pandemic has decreased and predicts that there will be more availability, less demand, and lower prices for flights to Europe this summer.
Keyes mentioned that he has come across some incredible round-trip deals that were rare last summer, such as Paris for $570, Iceland for $475, and Dublin for $457.
CNN’s Senior Climate and Weather Editor Angela Fritz also provided input for this report.
Editor's P/S:
Personal Perspective:
The article paints a vivid picture of the challenges and opportunities that await air travelers this summer. While the prospect of crowded airports and potential flight disruptions can be daunting, it is important to remember that these are common challenges during peak travel seasons. By planning ahead, being flexible, and taking advantage of tips like TSA PreCheck and early morning flights, travelers can mitigate the inconvenience and enjoy their summer getaways.
Additional Information:
The article highlights the impact of climate change on air travel, including increased turbulence and the potential for more hurricanes. While these factors can affect flight schedules, it is crucial to stay informed about weather conditions and follow the guidance of airlines and weather experts. Additionally, the article mentions the potential for lower airfares to Europe this summer due to decreased demand. Travelers who are willing to be flexible with their travel plans may find significant savings on international flights.
