Record-Setting Holiday Travel Faces Major Delays Amid West Coast Floods and
Key Points
- 1Over 5,000 flight delays were reported Monday due to severe weather, primarily from West Coast flooding.
- 2The TSA projects a record 44.3 million passengers will be screened this holiday season, with Sunday, December 28, expected to be the busiest day.
- 3An intense atmospheric river continues to threaten California with heavy rain and flood watches for 41 million people, while the Northeast faces minor snow and rain delays at major airport hubs.
- 4Aviation data shows a spike in unruly passenger behavior during the high-stress holiday period, compounded by weather delays and crowded flights.
The commercial aviation sector is grappling with widespread operational challenges as severe winter weather collides with a record-setting holiday travel season.
Storm systems across the United States are creating significant disruptions. This is affecting millions of passengers ahead of the Christmas holiday.
West Coast Atmospheric River Triggers Flood Watches and Delays
Intense rainfall from an atmospheric river has ravaged the West Coast. This has led to substantial holiday air travel disruption.
On Monday alone, floods caused over 5,000 flight delays across the nation, according to reported data. The system is shifting south toward Southern California.
- 41 million people are under flood watches across California, Nevada, and Arizona.
- Rainfall rates up to 1½ inches per hour are expected. This could cause widespread urban flash flooding and mudslides.
- San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is anticipating further airport delays due to low visibility and gusty winds.
- Over the past 72 hours, parts of the northern Sierra have seen up to 20 inches of rain.
In an unrelated incident, dense fog in Galveston, Texas, contributed to a plane crash on Monday. The U.S. Coast Guard is investigating the cause of the crash that killed at least five people. Visibility was reportedly down to a quarter-mile amid the fog.
Northeast Winter Weather Alerts Impact Major Hubs
While most of the country is clear, the Northeast and New England face their own weather issues. Northeast winter weather alerts are in place for 11 million people.
Snow and a wintry mix are expected to cause winter weather flight delays.
Major hubs like Washington, D.C., Baltimore, Philadelphia, and New York City are likely to see slowdowns. Snow totals are not expected to be high near the I-95 corridor. However, Maine and New England mountains could see 4 to 8 inches of snow. The snow is expected to move out by Christmas Eve, leaving a dry Christmas Day.
Airline and Regulator Response to Record Volume
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is preparing for what could be the busiest holiday travel season ever. The agency anticipates screening a projected 44.3 million travelers between December 19, 2025, and January 4, 2026. This makes it a record-setting travel season.
Sunday, December 28, is forecast to be the single busiest day to fly, with about 2.86 million passengers expected.
American Airlines is operating a large schedule. The airline expects to carry almost 700,000 customers on Wednesday across 6,400 flights. The carrier has emphasized its readiness to manage the high volume of passengers.
Passenger Experience and Operational Strain
The combination of high passenger volume and weather disruptions creates high-stress conditions. Aviation data suggests a spike in unruly passenger behavior during December. Packed cabins and tight connections exacerbate the strain on flight crews.
Travelers at major airports, including Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD), reported chaotic, crowded conditions. The FAA and airlines advise travelers to build in extra time. Passengers should monitor their flight status and remain flexible. For those interested in more commercial aviation news and updates, visit flying.flights.
- Arrive Early: The TSA recommends ample time for security checkpoints.
- Check Status: Use airline apps for real-time flight information.
- Drive Smart: AAA suggests driving before 10 a.m. and avoiding the 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. window for road travel.
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