The annual Thanksgiving travel season is underway, with significant numbers expected at airports and on roads across the United States. According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), more than 81 million people are projected to travel at least 50 miles from home this holiday, marking one of the busiest travel periods in recent years. Of this number, an estimated 73 million travelers will choose to drive.
At Buffalo Niagara International Airport, the anticipated surge in air travel had not yet fully materialized by Saturday evening. Passengers reported relatively calm conditions, contrasting with the hectic atmosphere typically associated with holiday travel. Ethan Mcnish-Heider, a student at Niagara University, described the experience as “pretty normal” compared to previous holiday flights. “Nothing crazy going on, to be honest,” he remarked while waiting for his flight.
Departure boards at the airport displayed minimal delays, and security lines were notably short. Simman Mangat expressed relief at the lighter-than-expected crowd, stating, “I was worried that it’s going to be busier, so I came, like, three hours ahead of time, but I was pleasantly surprised to see that it’s not that crazy and that not that busy.”
Despite the generally peaceful atmosphere, some travelers remained cautious due to recent disruptions linked to a federal government shutdown. Carol Foster shared her concerns about waiting to purchase her flight ticket. “With the government shutdown, I was worried that I hope I get to fly and I get to fly on time, because this is the busiest time of the year,” she said.
The shutdown has since ended, and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has lifted all restrictions, allowing airlines to resume normal operations. Travelers can expect increased activity, particularly on November 21, 2023, when the FAA has warned that it could be one of the busiest travel days in the past 15 years.
As the Thanksgiving holiday approaches, travelers are encouraged to stay informed about their flight statuses and arrive at airports with ample time to navigate security and check-in processes. The combination of road and air travel is anticipated to create a bustling atmosphere throughout the holiday period as families and friends come together to celebrate.
