US air travelers: expect holiday delays with planes flying at 90% capacity
Airline passengers can expect Longer lines and flight delays with a four percent increase this year over last in fliers traveling during this week’s Thanksgiving holiday season, says the Air Transport Association of America (ATA).
That’s the period of next Friday through Tuesday.
Over the 12-day period, “planes will be close to 90% full,” says the ATA.
As a comparison, year-to-date load factors have averaged about 80%.
The good news is that the airlines are trying to do something about it this Thanksgiving, including:
· Improved online reservations and check-in services.
· Additional airport self-help ticketing and check-in machines.
· Automated travel notification services.
· Access to airline contact information.
· Travel details on multiple itineraries, where travelers might receive a page or reminder of upcoming flight details via cell phone or wireless device.
· Airlines are also adding more employees over the holidays.
“This holiday season, travelers are at risk of weather delays and other unforeseen mishaps. Americans need to practice defensive flying if they plan to have a pleasant and stress-free flight,” said AAA President Robert L. Darbelnet.
Among AAA’s suggestions for surviving flight delays are defensive packing (defined as bringing something to occupy the time), not showing up hungry, pre-programming numbers for such contacts as travel agents into a cell phone, always booking the earliest flight and seeking out smaller airports.
Report by David Wilkening
David
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