Thanksgiving week is all about giving thanks — but very few people are thankful for traveling during one of the busiest weeks of the year. With 31 million people expected to fly, this year is set to break Thanksgiving travel records.
The Stress of Holiday Travel
Thanksgiving consistently ranks among the most crowded travel periods, both on the roads and in airports. While avoiding travel entirely would be ideal, it’s not an option for most people — especially once the week has already arrived.
To help travelers navigate the chaos, senior aviation reporter Taylor Rains offers expert last-minute advice.
Weather Challenges Across the U.S.
Dan: It looks like Mother Nature might cause problems this year. Parts of the Midwest, Pacific Northwest, and the entire East Coast are expecting poor weather. How bad could this get — not just locally, but nationwide?
Taylor: Weather delays can ripple across the entire country. For example, thunderstorms around Dallas/Fort Worth already caused hundreds of delays on Monday.
Even if your local weather is perfect, your aircraft, pilots, or flight attendants might be stuck somewhere else. Crew can also “time out” and legally be unable to fly, which creates even more disruptions.
Smaller airports — like Key West or White Plains — face bigger challenges. They often don’t have spare aircraft or staff available, meaning delays can easily turn into cancellations.
What to Do When You’re Facing a Serious Delay
Dan: If someone is hit with major delays, what’s the smartest thing they can do?
Taylor: Don’t panic — you have options.
The fastest and most effective tool is often your airline’s app or website. You can usually rebook yourself on:
- an earlier flight
- a later one
- or even the next day
This is almost always quicker than waiting in long airport lines or sitting on hold.
You can also do both: stand in line and rebook online at the same time.
When No Rebooking Options Are Available
Dan: And what if nothing is available to rebook?
Taylor: It depends on who’s responsible for the disruption.
If the Airline Is at Fault
(crew issues, mechanical problems)
Most airlines will provide:
- complimentary hotel accommodations
- transportation
- and meal vouchers
You can check each airline’s policy on the Airline Customer Service Dashboard.
If Weather Is to Blame
Compensation is not guaranteed, since airlines aren’t required to cover weather-related disruptions.
However:
- some may offer meal vouchers as a courtesy
- and your credit card travel insurance might reimburse you
For example, the Chase Sapphire Reserve has strong trip delay protections.
Important Reminder
You are legally entitled to a full refund for any canceled flight, regardless of the reason, as long as you choose not to rebook.
The Most Important Question: Window or Aisle?
Dan: Final question — window or aisle?
Taylor: I used to love the window seat, but now I’ll always pay extra for an aisle.
When I kept flying during pregnancy, having easy access to the bathroom (or just being able to get up and stretch) totally converted me.
