U.S. carriers such as American Airlines (AAL) are bracing for a record 31 million travelers to fly over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend that runs from Nov. 21 to Dec. 1.
United Airlines (UAL), Southwest (LUV), and other carriers, are trying to ensure a smooth holiday after thousands of flights were disrupted by the federal government shutdown in Washington, D.C.
At the same time, bookings for international travel over U.S. Thanksgiving are up 10% from last year and also expected to hit record levels.
The busiest days are expected to be the Sunday after Thanksgiving, with about 3.4 million people flying, followed by the Monday after Thanksgiving, with around 3.1 million passengers.
Airline executives say they’re hoping to recover after the longest-ever government shutdown ended on Nov. 12.
Shortages of air traffic controllers, who were required to work without pay, canceled thousands of flights, disrupting travel plans for about six million people, according to industry data.
Bank of America estimates that the biggest airlines lost $150 million U.S. to $200 million U.S. during the shutdown in Washington.
The recovery seems to be materializing, with United Airlines reporting that bookings between Nov. 15 and Nov. 16 were up 16% from the previous weekend.
Overall, United forecasts that it will fly 6.6 million people between Nov. 20 and Dec. 2., up more than 4% from the same period in 2024.
American Airlines, the biggest U.S. carrier, plans to operate 80,759 flights from Nov. 20 through Dec. 2., more than any other airline.
AAL stock has declined 24% this year to trade at $12.87 U.S. per share.
