What flight cancellations, delays look like for Thanksgiving travelers

Millions of Americans embarked on Thanksgiving holiday travel, with domestic air travel seeing relatively low flight cancellations but a notable number of delays on November 25. As of early morning, only 35 flights were canceled across the U.S., though nearly 800 experienced delays. These figures are expected to fluctuate throughout the day, but cancellations have remained in double digits over the preceding weekend, indicating a more stable operational environment compared to previous peak travel periods.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recently lifted an emergency order that had required airlines to reduce schedules during a government shutdown, allowing carriers to resume normal operations. Despite this, travelers may still encounter disruptions stemming from typical causes such as adverse weather conditions or mechanical issues. The Department of Transportation (DOT) outlines clear passenger entitlements: travelers whose flights are canceled for any reason are eligible for a full refund if they opt not to fly, or penalty-free rebooking if they choose to continue their journey.

For cancellations or significant delays within an airline's control, passengers continuing their trips may receive additional compensation, including meal vouchers or hotel stays, depending on the specific circumstances and airline policies. However, if disruptions are due to factors outside the carrier's control, such as severe weather, airlines are not obligated to provide extra compensation. The DOT's consumer dashboard offers airline-specific details on these policies. Travelers are advised by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to arrive early at airports, check flight statuses, and be aware of current security procedures like the REAL ID requirement for domestic flights.