Recently appointed administrator Mike Whitaker shared a video on X, stating the agency anticipates 49,600 flights on Wednesday.
The newly confirmed Federal Aviation Administration administrator, Mike Whitaker, urged the American public to exhibit exemplary conduct ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday travel rush, particularly on Wednesday when inclement weather might impede planning and operations.
In a post on X, previously known as Twitter, Whitaker emphasized, “If you’re traveling by air, please show kindness to your flight crew; they prioritize your safety. The FAA strictly opposes disruptive behavior.”
Confirmed to his role by the Senate on October 24, Whitaker highlighted the expected surge in air traffic over the Thanksgiving period, surpassing last year’s levels, anticipating the skies to be “exceptionally crowded.”
“We’re expecting 49,600 flights on Wednesday,” he mentioned in another post. “The FAA will work tirelessly to ensure passengers reach their destinations safely.”
Separately, the Transportation Security Administration foresees a record-breaking 30 million airline passengers screened from November 17 to 28, with 2.6 million on Tuesday and 2.7 million on Wednesday. Sunday is projected to be the busiest day, with 2.9 million passengers passing through TSA checkpoints.
The National Weather Service predicts two storm systems affecting the nation, bringing rain, thunderstorms, and wintry conditions. As of 1 pm EST on Tuesday, approximately 1,784 flights within, into, and out of the US were delayed, coinciding with 2.6 million passengers rushing to depart ahead of a weather system moving from the Gulf of Mexico toward the East Coast.
Severe storms have already struck the US plains and Midwest earlier this week. The American Automobile Association (AAA) forecasts weather-related travel disruptions for over 50 million Americans traveling at least 50 miles from home between Wednesday and Sunday.
In addition to Whitaker’s call for improved passenger conduct, US Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg released a public service announcement on X, reminding airline passengers of their rights.
“If your flight experiences delays or cancellations, rest assured that the Department of Transportation has your back,” Buttigieg assured in the PSA video. “For instance, we’ve secured enforceable commitments from the 10 largest airlines to cover expenses such as rebooking, meals, and more, in cases where delays or cancellations are the airline’s responsibility.”
The secretary of transportation highlighted that passengers have the right to receive a complete cash refund if their flight is canceled “regardless of the cause.”
During a press conference on Monday, Buttigieg emphasized that increasing the number of air traffic controllers, establishing new air routes along the East Coast, and offering airport grants for snowplows would alleviate disruptions. He cautioned holiday travelers to verify road and flight conditions before embarking on their journeys.
“Mother Nature remains the unpredictable variable in these circumstances,” he remarked.
