As the Thanksgiving travel season kicks off, Buffalo Niagara International Airport is witnessing the early stages of what is projected to be a bustling holiday travel period. According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), more than 81 million people in the United States are expected to travel at least 50 miles from home during the holiday. Of those, approximately 73 million are anticipated to travel by car, while a significant number will take to the skies.
By Saturday evening, the surge in travel had not fully materialized at Buffalo Niagara International Airport. Many travelers described the experience as relatively calm. Ethan Mcnish-Heider, a student at Niagara University, noted, “It seems pretty normal to like when I flew home for Christmas. Nothing crazy going on, to be honest.”
Departure boards at the airport showed few delays, and security lines remained short, contrary to the concerns many had prior to traveling. Simman Mangat expressed relief after arriving early, stating, “I was worried that it’s going to be busier, so I came, like, three hours ahead of time, but I was pleasantly surprised to see that it’s not that crazy.”
Despite the generally smooth travel experience, some passengers remained cautious, particularly in light of recent disruptions caused by a federal government shutdown. Carol Foster mentioned her apprehension about booking a flight, stating, “I waited until Tuesday to get my ticket. With the government shutdown, I was worried that I hope I get to fly on time.” The shutdown had raised concerns about potential travel delays during the critically busy holiday period.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recently lifted restrictions following the government reopening, allowing airlines to resume normal operations. The FAA has cautioned that the day before Thanksgiving, November 22, 2023, could be one of the busiest travel days in the past fifteen years, suggesting that travelers should prepare for increased crowds.
With millions of individuals expected to navigate airports and highways, local authorities and travel agencies are urging travelers to plan ahead and allow ample time for their journeys. As Thanksgiving approaches, the anticipation of family gatherings and holiday festivities fuels the increasing travel demand, marking a significant moment in the annual calendar for many Americans.
