TAMPA, Fla. — Winter holiday air travel across the United States is expected to ramp up this week, with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) expecting nearly 50,000 flights on Thursday.
For flyers like Nicole Gye’Nyame, it was all smiles Wednesday night at Tampa International Airport.
“Just time to spend in my family’s company to visit and love on each other, cook some good food,” Gye’Nyame said after she landed at Tampa International Airport.
Gye’Nyame said she was thankful that travel went well on her way to the area, without any delays or long lines.
“On the way back, I hope it is the same as it was coming,” she said. “Hopefully no meltdowns like they experienced last time with Southwest.”
With the FAA expecting holiday winter travel this week to peak on Thursday, travel officials across the country are asking flyers to be patient and give themselves extra time at the airport.
“I don't want to jinx us but, so far, 2023 has seen the lowest cancellation rate in the last five years,” said Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. “Obviously another test of that will be the results we get through Christmas and New Year's.”
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Between rocky weather in different parts of the country, AAA predicting a 4.7% increase in air travelers from last year, and a national air traffic controller shortage, transportation officials are advising travelers to make a travel plan before they head to the airport.