With millions of Americans gearing up for travel after Thanksgiving, initial reports indicate minimal disruptions across the country.

By 6:20 p.m. ET, only 23 flights within the U.S. were canceled, while 724 had experienced delays, according to FlightAware. These figures are quite encouraging for Black Friday travelers.

This year, some regions received some snow as a winter storm advanced toward the Northeast, bringing wintry weather to parts of the Midwest and Northeast on Thursday night. People in New England encountered rain and snow while having their Thanksgiving dinner.

Airlines have advised passengers to verify their flight statuses prior to arriving at the airport, with several also providing waivers for changes or cancellations related to weather issues.

Stay tuned to YSL News for the latest updates on flight delays, cancellations, and helpful tips to ensure your travel after Thanksgiving goes smoothly. Make sure to check back often to stay informed and avoid any unexpected challenges.

Which Airlines Have Provided Travel Waivers for Thanksgiving?

Due to significant snowfall in Colorado, some airlines, including United Airlines and Southwest Airlines, have implemented waivers for travelers in the region this Thanksgiving week.

• Southwest Airlines: Passengers traveling through Montrose Regional Airport (MTJ) and Yampa Valley Regional Airport (HDN) from Nov. 25 to 28 can change their travel dates within 14 days of their original schedule without incurring extra fees.
• United Airlines: Passengers flying through Aspen/Pitkin County Airport (ASE), Eagle County Regional Airport (EGE), Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional Airport (GUC), Yampa Valley Regional Airport (HDN), and Montrose Regional Airport (MTJ) between Nov. 25 and 28 who booked their tickets by Nov. 24 can modify their travel plans without any change fees or fare differences. New flights must occur between Nov. 24 and Dec. 1.

TSA Guidelines

The TSA anticipates that Sunday will be one of the peak travel days.

“Many TSA personnel will be on duty during Thanksgiving and throughout the week, and I sincerely appreciate their unwavering commitment and professionalism,” stated Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas in a news release. “I encourage travelers to prepare in advance, heed TSA travel advice, and utilize programs like TSA PreCheck to facilitate smoother journeys, enhance safety in our skies, and ease TSA’s workload.”

As a reminder:

• TSA suggests travelers start their packing with an empty bag to minimize the risk of carrying banned items through security.
• All liquids, gels, and aerosols must not exceed 3.4 ounces in carry-on luggage.
• Certain items like gravy, cranberry sauce, wine, jam, and preserves—even if they are foods—should be placed in checked baggage if they are over 3.4 ounces.

“If you can spill it, spray it, spread it, pump it, or pour it, it qualifies as a liquid, aerosol, or gel and must be placed in checked luggage if over the 3.4-ounce limit,” the TSA explained. “As always, solid food items, such as cakes and baked goods, can pass through security checkpoints.”

Also noteworthy, breast milk is permitted as an exception to the liquids rule.

What Day Will Experience the Least Air Travel Volume?

The busiest air travel day is forecasted to be Sunday, Dec. 1, while the least busy days of the Thanksgiving period were Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 28, Black Friday, Nov. 29, and Tuesday, Dec. 3.

During the Thanksgiving week, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, and Denver International Airport are projected to be the most crowded airports, particularly between 8 a.m. and noon, according to Hopper.

What is the DOT Dashboard?

The Department of Transportation (DOT) launched a dashboard to provide travelers with convenient access to information regarding services offered by U.S. airlines in instances of cancellations or delays.

Click here to view the DOT Cancellation and Delay Dashboard.

A recent rule implemented by the DOT at the end of October mandates that airlines must refund passengers if their flight is considerably delayed for reasons within the airline’s control and holds airlines accountable for adhering to customer commitments during such circumstances.

What Constitutes a Significant Delay?

The DOT defines a significant delay as any departure or arrival that is three hours or more late for a domestic flight or six hours or more late for an international flight.

What is a Controllable Delay?

A controllable delay, according to the DOT, is one that is caused by the airline itself. Such delays can result from maintenance issues, crew problems, cabin cleaning, baggage loading, or fueling, while weather-related issues or air traffic control directives do not classify as controllable delays.

What are my rights if my flight is delayed?

If your flight is delayed for a significant amount of time due to reasons within the airline’s control, you have the right to request a refund if you decide not to continue with your travel plans. However, if you choose to wait for your flight, you may still be eligible for certain forms of compensation or assistance. This can include rebooking on another flight or airline at no extra cost, as well as meal and lodging vouchers for qualifying long delays and additional perks.

Currently, no U.S. airlines provide cash compensation for delays. Nonetheless, the major airlines (American, Delta, Southwest, and United) do offer hotel accommodations and transportation vouchers for delays that require an overnight stay.

The DOT maintains a dashboard that details the policies of all primary U.S. airlines.

Steps to take if your flight is delayed

It’s beneficial to familiarize yourself with your airline’s policies even before your trip, and to advocate for yourself effectively. Contact the airline using any means available—through their app, social media, over the phone, or at the airport help desk if you’re already at the airport. When you speak to an agent, having alternative flight options in mind can be helpful. Don’t forget to inquire about any accommodations or refunds you might be eligible for based on their policies.

What does controllable cancellation mean?

The DOT defines a controllable cancellation as one initiated by the airline. Examples of controllable factors include issues with maintenance, crew management, cabin cleaning, baggage handling, and fueling. In contrast, situations like weather disturbances or air traffic control mandates are excluded and do not hold the airline accountable.

What am I entitled to if my flight is canceled?

At present, U.S. airlines do not offer cash compensation for cancellations, but the major airlines (American, Delta, Southwest, and United) do provide hotel accommodations and ground transportation vouchers for overnight situations caused by flight cancellations.

The DOT has a dashboard that keeps track of the policies of all major U.S. airlines.

Steps to take if your flight is canceled

Knowing your airline’s policies before your trip allows you to advocate for yourself more effectively. Connect with the airline through their app, social media, phone, or at the help desk in the airport if you’re already traveling. It’s typically a good idea to think of some alternative flights before speaking to an agent. Be sure to ask about any accommodations or refunds you may receive as part of the airline’s policies.