As Thanksgiving approaches, millions of Americans are getting ready to travel. Fortunately, initial reports indicate minimal travel disruptions across the country.

By 6:20 p.m. ET, only 37 flights within the U.S. had been canceled and another 3,364 were delayed, according to FlightAware, a flight-tracking website. These figures are encouraging for the day before Thanksgiving.

A storm that brought heavy snow to the Sierra Nevada in California is now moving toward the Colorado Rockies and may hit the Appalachians on Thanksgiving Day.

Airlines are advising travelers to check their flight statuses prior to heading to the airport. Some airlines have also issued waivers allowing changes or cancellations if weather issues arise. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is expecting record passenger volumes and is reminding travelers to arrive early and prepare smartly.

For live updates on delays, cancellations, and travel tips to ensure a smooth Thanksgiving journey, stay tuned to YSL News. Regular check-ins will help keep you informed and ready.

Which Airlines Have Travel Waivers for Thanksgiving?

With heavy snowfall in Colorado, airlines like United Airlines and Southwest Airlines have announced waivers for travelers heading to or from the region this Thanksgiving week.

• Southwest Airlines: Travelers using Montrose Regional Airport (MTJ) and Yampa Valley Regional Airport (HDN) from Nov. 25 to 28 can change their travel plans within 14 days of their original date at no extra cost.
• 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 purchased their tickets by Nov. 24 can modify their trips without any change fees or fare differences. New flights should be scheduled between Nov. 24 and Dec. 1.

TSA Prepares for Record Holiday Travel

The Transportation Security Administration has announced its readiness for what is expected to be the busiest Thanksgiving travel period on record. They estimate screening 18.3 million people from yesterday through Monday, a roughly 6% increase from last year.

The TSA anticipates the busiest travel days to be yesterday, today, and this coming Sunday.

“I extend my sincere gratitude to the TSA workforce for their dedication and professionalism during this time,” stated Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas. “I encourage travelers to plan ahead, heed TSA’s travel advice, and utilize services like TSA PreCheck to facilitate a smoother journey.”

Key reminders include:

• Start packing with an empty bag to minimize the risk of carrying prohibited items through security.
• All liquids, gels, and aerosols must not exceed 3.4 ounces in a carry-on bag.
• Foods such as gravy, cranberry sauce, wine, jams, and preserves that surpass 3.4 ounces must be placed in checked luggage.

As per TSA regulations, “If it can spill, spray, spread, pump, or pour, it is categorized as a liquid, aerosol, or gel and should go in your checked baggage if it’s over 3.4 ounces.” Solid foods such as cakes can pass through security checkpoints without issues.

Breast milk is an exception to the liquids policy.

What Is the Forecast for Thanksgiving Travel?

This year, nearly 80 million Americans are predicted to travel, which is an increase of 1.7 million from last year and 2 million more than in 2019, according to AAA.

“Thanksgiving is the peak holiday for travel. We anticipate setting new records in all travel sectors, including road trips, flights, and cruises,” remarked Stacey Barber, vice president of AAA Travel. “Reconnecting with family and friends during Thanksgiving is a significant tradition, and travel plays a major role in that, with an increasing demand for exciting vacations and new experiences post-pandemic.”

When is the Best Time to Fly?

The peak travel day is expected to be Sunday, Dec. 1, while the least busy days for flights will be 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 busiest, particularly in the morning hours between 8 a.m. and noon, according to Hopper.

What Is the DOT Dashboard?

The Department of Transportation has developed a dashboard to provide travelers with quick access to information regarding the services U.S. airlines offer in cases of cancellations or delays.

Click here to view the DOT Cancellation and Delay Dashboard.

A recent regulation from the DOT that came into effect at the end of October mandates that airlines must refund passengers if their flight is delayed significantly due to factors that the airline can control. This new rule also holds airlines accountable for adhering to their commitments made to customers in these situations.

What is considered a significant delay?

The DOT states that a significant delay is when a flight, either domestic or international, is late by three hours or more for domestic flights and six hours or more for international flights.

What constitutes a controllable delay?

As per the DOT, a controllable delay is one that arises from issues linked to the airline itself. Common causes include maintenance issues, crew shortages, cabin cleaning, baggage handling, and fueling. Factors such as bad weather or air traffic control procedures are excluded from this definition.

What am I entitled to if my flight is delayed?

If your flight faces a significant delay for reasons under the airline’s control, you have the right to a refund if you opt not to travel. If you decide to stay on the flight, you may be eligible for some form of compensation or assistance, including complimentary rebooking on a different flight or airline, as well as meal and accommodation vouchers for qualifying delays and other perks.

At present, no U.S. airlines provide cash compensation for delays; however, the major four airlines—American, Delta, Southwest, and United—offer hotel and ground transportation vouchers for overnight delays.

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

Steps to take if your flight is delayed

Your best strategy is to familiarize yourself with your airline’s policies prior to your trip and act as your own advocate. Reach out to the airline through any available channel, whether it’s via their app, social media, phone, or by visiting the airport help desk if you’re already traveling. It’s wise to have alternative flight options ready when speaking with an agent, and don’t forget to inquire about any compensation or reimbursements you might be entitled to under their policies.

What is a controllable cancellation?

What are my rights if my flight is canceled?

If your flight is canceled, regardless of whether the cause is under the airline’s control, you are entitled to a refund if you decide not to travel. If you choose to continue your journey, you might still qualify for compensation or accommodations such as free rebooking on a different flight or airline, meal and lodging vouchers for eligible delays, and other benefits.

No airlines in the U.S. are currently offering cash payments for delays, but the largest four airlines—American, Delta, Southwest, and United—do provide vouchers for hotels and ground transport for overnight cancellations.

The DOT has a dashboard that summarizes policies from major U.S. airlines.

What should I do if my flight is canceled?

Your best move is to learn your airline’s policies ahead of your journey and advocate for yourself. Connect with the airline through whichever means available—be it via their app, social media, phone calls, or at the airport support desk if you’re already en route. It’s advisable to have some backup flight options ready when discussing with an agent and remember to request any potential accommodations or refunds that you may qualify for according to their policies.