As millions travel by road and air after Thanksgiving, initial reports indicate minimal travel disruptions across the country.

By 8 a.m. ET, only 43 flights have been canceled in the U.S., and 568 are delayed, according to FlightAware, a flight-tracking website. For comparison, there were 6,357 flight delays on Saturday, and today is projected to be the busiest travel day of the year.

Airlines recommend that passengers verify their flight statuses prior to heading to the airport, with some offering flexibility for changes or cancellations due to potential weather issues.

Stay updated with YSL News for live information on delays, cancellations, and tips to simplify your post-Thanksgiving travel experience. Check back frequently for the latest news and to avoid unexpected issues during your journey.

TSA Reminders

The TSA expects today to be among the busiest travel days.

“Many TSA staff members will be working throughout Thanksgiving Day and the following week, and I’m deeply thankful for their dedicated service and professionalism,” stated Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas in a news release. “I encourage all travelers to plan in advance, adhere to TSA’s travel guidelines, and take advantage of options like TSA PreCheck. These simple measures will help ensure a smoother journey, enhance our safety in the skies, and ease the workload for TSA personnel.”

Here are some reminders:

• It’s recommended that travelers start packing with an empty bag to minimize the chances of accidentally bringing prohibited items through security.
• All liquids, gels, and aerosols must not exceed 3.4 ounces in carry-on luggage.
• Certain food items, including gravy, cranberry sauce, wine, jam, and preserves – which are categorized as liquids or gels – must be placed in checked baggage if they exceed the 3.4-ounce limit.

“If it can spill, spray, spread, pump, or pour, it is considered a liquid, aerosol, or gel, and it should be in your checked bag if it goes over the 3.4-ounce limit,” the TSA stated. “Passengers can still bring solid foods like cakes and other baked items through the checkpoint.”

Breast milk is also exempt from the liquids policy.

Which day will see the least travel?

Today is expected to be the peak day for air travel, while the quietest days were Thanksgiving (Nov. 28), Black Friday (Nov. 29), and the upcoming Tuesday (Dec. 3).

What is the DOT Dashboard?

The Department of Transportation has introduced a dashboard that allows travelers to easily access information regarding services offered by U.S. airlines in the event of cancellations or delays.

Click here to visit the DOT Cancellation and Delay Dashboard.

A new regulation from the DOT, which came into effect at the end of October, requires airlines to provide refunds to passengers if their flight is significantly delayed for reasons within the airline’s control. It also holds airlines accountable for complying with their own customer service commitments in such situations.

What constitutes a significant delay?

The DOT defines a significant delay as a domestic flight that is delayed by three hours or more, or an international flight that is delayed by six hours or more.

What is a controllable delay?

A controllable delay, according to the DOT, is one that is caused by the airline itself, such as maintenance issues, crew shortages, cabin cleaning, baggage loading, and fueling. Weather-related delays or air traffic control restrictions do not fall under this category.

What are your rights if your flight is delayed?

If your flight is significantly delayed due to reasons within the airline’s control, you are eligible for a refund if you choose not to travel. If you opt to remain on your flight, you might still qualify for compensation or assistance, such as rebooking on another flight or airline at no additional cost, meal and lodging vouchers for qualifying delays, and other benefits.

Currently, no U.S. airlines provide cash compensation for delays, although the major airlines (American, Delta, Southwest, and United) offer hotel and ground transportation vouchers for overnight delays.

The DOT provides a dashboard detailing the policies of all major U.S. airlines.

Steps to take if your flight is delayed

Your best course of action is to familiarize yourself with your airline’s policies before traveling and to advocate for yourself. Contact the airline through their app, social media, by phone, or at the airport help desk if you are already traveling. It’s wise to have alternative flight options in mind when speaking to an agent, and ensure you inquire about any accommodation or refunds you may be entitled to based on their policies.

What is a controllable cancellation?

A controllable cancellation, according to the DOT, refers to one that is initiated by the airline. This includes reasons related to maintenance or crew issues, cabin cleaning, baggage loading, and fueling, while factors such as weather or Air traffic control flow programs do not negatively impact the airline.

What are my rights if my flight is canceled?

If your flight is canceled for any reason, regardless of whether the airline is responsible, you have the right to receive a refund if you opt not to travel anymore. If you choose to wait it out, you may still be entitled to compensation or assistance, which could include being rebooked on a different flight or airline at no additional charge, as well as meal and hotel vouchers for significant delays, among other benefits.

Currently, no U.S. airlines provide cash compensation for delays. However, the major airlines (American, Delta, Southwest, and United) do offer vouchers for hotels and ground transportation for overnight stays caused by flight cancellations.

The Department of Transportation (DOT) has a dashboard that details the policies of all major U.S. airlines.

Steps to take if your flight is canceled

Your best approach is to familiarize yourself with your airline’s policies before you travel and advocate for yourself. Reach out to the airline using whichever method is most convenient, such as their app, social media, by phone, or at the airport assistance desk if you’re already traveling. It’s usually wise to have alternative flight options in mind when you talk with an agent. Also, remember to inquire about any compensation or refunds you may qualify for if you intend to utilize those policies.