As the holiday season kicks into high gear, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) anticipates a surge in air travel today. But seriously, what do they mean by 'expect'? We've all booked our flights ages ago. Are there really people out there showing up at airports on a whim, like, 'Hey, let's grab a flight to Orlando'? Well, apparently not. The FAA's announcement might seem a bit redundant, but let's take a closer look at what we can expect during this bustling time.
According to AAA, this holiday season is set to witness record-breaking air travel. So far, things seem to be going relatively smoothly if we take a peek at the live feed from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). It's 3 a.m., and while the scene appears calm for now, we know the storm is coming. AAA forecasts that approximately 7.5 million travelers will take to the skies between this weekend and New Year's Day. Quite the crowd, isn't it? However, it seems that a significant portion of the population – around 104 million individuals – will opt for the good old road trip.
In total, AAA estimates that close to 115 million people will be on the move this holiday season, up by nearly three million from the previous year. With the memory of past travel chaos fresh in our minds, the federal government has been urging airlines to invest in infrastructure and develop strategies to avoid the disastrous delays and cancellations that plagued us in the past. Let's hope their warnings have been heeded.
Compared to recent years, AAA predicts that this holiday season will showcase one of the busiest travel periods since before the pandemic. It seems that people are eager to make up for lost time, and nothing will deter them from reuniting with friends and loved ones for Christmas and New Year's.
As seasoned travel experts, we have a couple of tips to help you navigate this feverish season. Firstly, arrive at the airport a little earlier than usual because, let's face it, time flies when you're waiting in line. And here's an unexpected one: reserve your parking space ahead of time. Who knew, right? Avoid the panic-induced hunt for a vacant spot by securing your parking spot online. These simple yet critical pointers will save you from potential travel headaches.
So, buckle up, grab your Southwest Egg Rolls or just enjoy them vicariously through us, and get ready for the holiday travel madness. The skies may be crowded, but with a little preparation and a lot of patience, we'll all make it to our destinations in due time.
