U.S. Airlines Should Expect Busy Air Travel over the Holidays

U.S. airlines expected to see almost 46 million passengers over the holiday travel period

• By Jessica Davis
• Dec 14, 2018

Airlines for America, an industry trade organization for U.S. airlines, has projected that 45.7 million passengers will make their way home for the holidays on U.S. airlines between Thurs., Dec. 20, through Sun., Jan. 6.

The 45.7 million estimate would be a 5.2 percent increase over the estimated 43.4 million people who flew during the holiday travel period last year.

To accommodate the estimated average of 2.54 million passengers daily, U.S. airlines will add 143,000 seats daily across their global networks.

“With airfares at historic lows, travelers are choosing to fly on U.S. airlines in record numbers, especially during the busy holiday season,” A4A Vice President and Chief Economist John Heimlich said. “Increased consumer choices and fares that match nearly every budget have enabled a record number of people take to the skies to visit loved ones, conduct business or enjoy a holiday getaway.”

Airlines for American expects the busiest travel days will be, in ranked order: Fri., Dec. 21, Thurs., Dec. 20, and Wed., Dec. 26. Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Sat., Jan. 5 are expected to be the lightest travel days.

If you’re traveling via air this holiday season, make sure to revisit TSA guidelines, particularly for holiday gifts.