ATA Expects Full Planes Over Thanksgiving Holiday

The Air Transport Association of America (ATA), the industry trade association for the leading U.S. airlines, expects full planes during the 2008 Thanksgiving holiday season. The three busiest travel days surrounding Thanksgiving Day are expected to be Sunday, Nov. 30, Monday, Dec. 1, and Wednesday, Nov. 26, respectively. On these days, ATA projects that planes will be close to 90 percent full.

“Despite the expected (ten percent) decline in passengers this Thanksgiving holiday travel season—the first such decline in seven years—Thanksgiving remains the busiest travel time of the year for airlines,” said ATA President and CEO James C. May. “And make no mistake—the airports will be busy and many flights will be 100 percent full.”

ATA is hoping that the government will once again open up military airspace to help further ease congestion. ATA encourages travelers to familiarize themselves with the latest TSA 3-1-1 security program rules at www.tsa.gov.