The surge in holiday travelers is gaining momentum, with approximately 2.7 million individuals expected to take flights on November 22, and millions more intending to travel by car for Thanksgiving gatherings.

Airline authorities express confidence in avoiding significant disruptions seen in previous holiday seasons, such as the Southwest Airlines debacle last Christmas. However, adverse weather conditions, including heavy rain and snow showers on the East Coast, may lead to potential delays. The National Weather Service predicts accumulating snow in northern New England on November 22, with up to 8 inches expected in northern Maine. Additionally, the northern Rocky Mountains are forecasted to experience snow on Thanksgiving Day, bringing around 1 foot of snow to parts of Wyoming by November 24.

As of the morning of November 22, U.S. airports reported only nine flight cancellations and 260 flight delays, according to FlightAware. Airlines have bolstered their workforce by tens of thousands in recent years, and Southwest claims to have acquired additional winter equipment to ensure smooth operations even in subfreezing temperatures.

Due to the anticipated crowds, security lines at airports may be lengthy. Delta Air Lines advises passengers to arrive at least two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international flights, with the possibility of even earlier arrivals on November 26 and 27.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) anticipates screening 2.7 million passengers on November 22 and projects a record-breaking 2.9 million screenings on November 26, surpassing a previous high set on June 30.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is facing challenges, including shortages of air traffic controllers at crucial facilities, leading to reduced flights to the New York City area this summer and fall. U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, in a November 20 news conference, stated that the government has prepared for holiday travel by hiring additional air traffic controllers, establishing new air routes along the East Coast, and providing grants to airports for snowplows and deicing equipment.

AAA forecasts that 55.4 million people will travel at least 50 miles from home between November 22 and November 26, marking the auto club’s third-highest forecast. The majority, 49.1 million, are expected to travel by car.

Gasoline prices provide relief for drivers compared to the previous year, with the nationwide average at $3.28 a gallon on November 22, down from $3.63 a year ago. Airfares in October were 13% lower than the previous year, and Thanksgiving fares have been approximately 14% lower, according to government figures and the travel site Hopper.

Despite lower travel costs, the overall high expenses of rent, food, health care, and other essentials are influencing people’s travel plans. Jason McQueary, a 25-year-old social worker and graduate student, shared that his credit card points helped reduce the cost of his round-trip flight from Denver to Chicago from $450 to $150, given the financial challenges posed by rent and other essential expenses.

“I was just like, ‘Man, I’m glad I only come home once a year,’ ” said McQueary, who was waiting to get picked up Nov. 21 after arriving at Chicago O’Hare International Airport to spend Thanksgiving with family in his hometown of Byron, Ill.