Share this @internewscast.com

Busy roads and crowded skies are as much a part of the holiday season as turkey and pumpkin pie.

And as travel industry chiefs hope to avoid the sort of meltdowns that have marred previous Thanksgivings, they are also urging the public not to resort to abuse when dealing with inevitable flight delays.

“If you’re flying, please be nice to your flight crew. They are there for your safety,” Mike Whitaker, the administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration, said on X. “The FAA has zero tolerance for unruly behavior.”

Follow live updates on the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade 2023 here

Introduced in 2021, a zero tolerance policy promises legal action including possible criminal prosecution against any passenger who “assaults, threatens, intimidates, or interferes with airline crew members.”

But the FAA say airline staff have still reported a “disturbing increase” in threatening or violent behavior recently. And this week may prove a test of patience for the traveling public and of the aviation industry’s capacity.

At least 38,000 flights were expected to take off across the country Thursday, while around 55 million people are driving to see friends and relatives over the holiday period.

Flightaware.com reported that there were 312 cancellations and more than 6,000 delayed flights by 5 a.m. ET Thursday morning, following 18,000 throughout Wednesday. The site’s “Misery Map“ of live delays showed that Los Angeles International Airport was handling the most delays.

The spike in travel numbers will continue through the week with some 2.9 million expected to make their return trips by air on Sunday, the Transport Security Administration said, which would beat an all-time passenger number record set on June 30 this year.

In total, the TSA said it expected to screen 30 million passengers between Nov. 17 and Nov. 28.

“We expect this holiday season to be our busiest ever. In 2023, we have already seen seven of the top 10 busiest travel days in TSA’s history,” said TSA Administrator David Pekoske.

“We are ready for the anticipated volumes and are working closely with our airline and airport partners to make sure we are prepared for this busy holiday travel season,” he added.

The FAA said that the main cause of flight delays was weather, causing 73.3% of delay minutes this year.

The National Weather Service said that heavy snow could disrupt travel plans in the norther and central Rockies and High Plains on Thursday, with cold air from the Arctic sweeping over much of the northern parts of the country.

Much of the rest of the country will, mercifully, remain dry, the NWS said.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Chicago Halloween events: Pet costumes on display at 38th Annual Streeterville Dog Halloween Party at Museum of Contemporary Art

Unleash the Spooky Fun: 38th Annual Streeterville Dog Halloween Party at Chicago’s Museum of Contemporary Art

CHICAGO (WLS) — This past weekend, Chicago was the stage for a…
Chicago shootings this weekend: At least 10 shot, 2 fatally, in gun violence across city, police department says

Authorities Determine Teen’s ‘Gel Blaster’ Shooting in Skokie’s Shawnee Park as Antisemitic Hate Crime: Police Report

In SKOKIE, Illinois, local authorities have determined that a teenager’s use of…
Dems Cry ‘Voter Intimidation’ as DOJ Deploys Election Monitors to CA, NJ

DOJ Sends Election Monitors to California and New Jersey Amidst Voter Intimidation Concerns

The Department of Justice revealed on Friday its plan to deploy election…
Former Vice President Kamala Harris leaves door open for 2028 presidential run, according to new BBC interview

In a recent BBC interview, Former Vice President Kamala Harris hints at potential 2028 presidential bid.

WASHINGTON — Kamala Harris is keeping her options open for another potential…
Trump witnesses Thailand, Cambodia sign peace expansion months after brokering ceasefire

Historic Peace Expansion: Trump Celebrates Landmark Thailand-Cambodia Accord Following Ceasefire Success

On Sunday, Cambodia and Thailand officially extended a ceasefire agreement that was…
GOP Nom Ciattarelli Heats Up With an Live On-Air Assist From Trump--and Famous Native NJ Voice Cuts Ad

Trump Lends a Hand: Ciattarelli Gains Momentum with Support from NJ Celebrity Voice

Republican gubernatorial candidate Jack Ciattarelli is making headway in New Jersey’s election…
Lewis Hamilton mourns beloved dog ahead of Mexico's Day of the Dead

Lewis Hamilton Honors Late Dog During Mexico’s Day of the Dead Remembrance

MEXICO CITY, Oct 23 – Lewis Hamilton has shared how the recent…
June Lockhart, beloved TV mom from ‘Lassie’ and ‘Lost In Space,’ dies at 100

TV Icon June Lockhart, Star of ‘Lassie’ and ‘Lost In Space,’ Passes Away at 100

LOS ANGELES (AP) — June Lockhart, a beloved figure for many television…
Rubio says commitment to Taiwan won't change amid trade talks with China

Rubio Affirms Unwavering Support for Taiwan Despite Ongoing China Trade Discussions

On Sunday, Secretary of State Marco Rubio reaffirmed the United States’ enduring…
Making daylight saving time permanent: Where all 50 states stand

Daylight Saving Time: A State-by-State Guide to Permanent Adoption Plans

Is it finally the right moment to abandon the semi-annual clock change?…

New York Giants’ Cam Skattebo Leaves Game Due to Ankle Injury

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — In a devastating turn of events for the New…
Can AI keep students motivated, or does it do the opposite?

Unlocking Student Potential: How AI Transforms Motivation in the Classroom

Imagine a student employing a writing assistant fueled by a generative AI…