Thanksgiving Travel Expected to Test Patience Amid Crowds and Weather Challenges

Thanksgiving travel is in full swing, with airports and highways bustling as millions of Americans head out to celebrate the holiday. According to AAA, nearly 80 million people are expected to travel over the Thanksgiving period. However, travelers may face delays, particularly in the Northeast, due to air traffic controller shortages, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) warned last week.

Weather is also likely to complicate travel plans. A storm system is forecast to develop late this afternoon over the southern Plains and Mississippi Valley, bringing rain across the central U.S. to the Appalachians overnight. While the rain may impact road conditions, air travel could face even greater challenges as weather is the leading cause of flight delays in the United States, accounting for 75% of reported disruptions, per the FAA.

Four Weather Factors Likely to Disrupt Air Travel

Kyle Struckmann, the head aviation meteorologist for the National Weather Service, outlined the four types of weather that are most likely to cause air travel disruptions, ranked from least to most significant.

1. Strong Winds:

Both wind speed and direction are crucial for safe takeoffs and landings. Planes rely on headwinds, which provide lift and stability. Without these winds, planes risk difficulties in taking off or landing safely. Struckmann emphasized that “planes ideally land and take off directly into the wind,” which enhances control and minimizes potential hazards.

2. Low Visibility:

Adverse weather conditions such as fog, rain, or snow can severely reduce visibility. While pilots rely on instrumentation to navigate through clouds or low-visibility situations, they still need a clear view of the runway to identify hazards that instruments might miss. This is why visibility remains a critical safety factor during flight operations.

3. Snow and Ice:

Runways must be free of snow and ice for safe takeoffs and landings, but ice poses a unique threat to aviation. Ice accumulation on an aircraft can disrupt the flow of air over its wings, reducing lift and potentially leading to uncontrollable maneuvers. “Too much ice can cause an airplane to roll or maneuver uncontrollably,” the FAA warns, underscoring the importance of de-icing procedures.

4. Thunderstorms:

Thunderstorms pose the greatest risk to flight safety, primarily due to their combination of updrafts and downdrafts. These rapidly moving air currents create turbulence that can severely destabilize a plane. Thunderstorms also bring other dangers, including hail and lightning, which can batter an aircraft mid-flight. Pilots often reroute flights to avoid these volatile weather systems, but delays are inevitable when storms are widespread.

Presidential Turkey Pardon Kicks Off the Holiday Season

In a lighter moment leading up to Thanksgiving, President Joe Biden exercised his presidential pardon powers to spare two turkeys, Peach and Blossom, during a ceremony on the White House South Lawn earlier this week.

“Based on their temperament and commitment to being productive members of society, I hereby pardon Peach and Blossom,” Biden said during the event, marking the start of the festive season. The two turkeys, weighing 41 and 40 pounds respectively, hail from Minnesota and were transported to Washington after a period of preparation that included acclimating to loud sounds, bright lights, and large crowds.

Despite their training, Peach made headlines with some unruly behavior during the ceremony, squawking at key moments and interrupting the president’s remarks. Biden humorously addressed the bird, saying, “Keep calm and gobble on.”

Peach and Blossom’s journey to Washington was a continuation of a long-standing White House tradition that adds a touch of levity to the holiday season. For these turkeys, the pardon ensures a peaceful life post-Thanksgiving, free from the dinner table.

Summary of Travel Outlook and Thanksgiving Highlights

This Thanksgiving is shaping up to be a test of patience for travelers across the country. Crowded airports and highways, coupled with potential delays due to FAA staffing shortages and challenging weather conditions, could make journeys longer and more stressful. Weather remains a dominant factor, with strong winds, low visibility, snow, ice, and thunderstorms being the main culprits behind flight disruptions. Meanwhile, President Biden’s turkey pardon provided a moment of joy and humor as the nation heads into the holiday season. Whether on the road, in the skies, or gathered around the table, Thanksgiving reminds us of the importance of perseverance and togetherness.