NEWS RELEASE
WASHINGTON, Nov. 12, 2008 – The Air Transport Association of America (ATA), the industry trade association for the leading U.S. airlines, today said that it expects full planes, despite a 10 percent year-over-year decrease in the number of passengers[1] traveling on U.S. airlines during the 2008 Thanksgiving holiday season.[2]
Based on sample data, the three busiest travel days surrounding Thanksgiving Day are expected to be Sunday, Nov. 30, Monday, Dec. 1, and Wednesday, Nov. 26, respectively. On these days, ATA projects that planes will be, on average, close to 90 percent full.
“Despite the expected decline in passengers this Thanksgiving holiday travel season – the first such decline in seven years – Thanksgiving remains the busiest travel time of the year for airlines,” said ATA President and CEO James C. May. “And make no mistake – the airports will be busy and many flights will be 100 percent full.”
May added that the softer economy is having an impact on consumer buying decisions at the same time that carriers have cut back their schedules in response to economic pressures. “With fewer flights operating, that should provide some relief to the air traffic management system. I am confident that with a little good weather, complemented by the shared commitment of airlines, airports and our government to improve on-time performance, Thanksgiving travel should be safe and enjoyable,” said May.
ATA is hoping that the government will once again open up military airspace to help further ease congestion. In the event of system delays, airlines will keep travelers informed of flight and schedule changes; travelers are encouraged to sign up with their airline to receive automated travel notifications delivered to their cell phone or wireless device.
Beyond air traffic management initiatives, airlines will continue to work with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to help speed the process at security checkpoints. TSA recently announced that it is expanding its Diamond Self-Select program to every domestic security checkpoint, and that “medically necessary liquids, aerosols and gels in excess of three ounces” will be permitted. ATA encourages travelers to familiarize themselves with the latest TSA 3-1-1 security program rules at www.tsa.gov.
To help make the airport experience as convenient as possible, ATA encourages passengers to allow plenty of time for checking in and for security screening at the airport, and to familiarize themselves with the list of TSA permitted and prohibited items and under what circumstance permitted items may be carried onboard. In addition, passengers are urged to check with their carrier beforehand regarding any special travel concerns and for general travel tips:
ATA airline members and their affiliates transport more than 90 percent of all U.S. airline passenger and cargo traffic. For additional information about the industry, visit www.airlines.org.
###
[1] The total number of revenue passengers boarding aircraft in scheduled service.
[2] Defined as Friday, Nov. 21 through Tuesday, Dec. 2.