Trade Group Sees Drop In Holiday Air Travel

U.S. airports may be a little less crowded this holiday season but airplanes won't be, according to Airlines for America (A4A), the industry trade organization for the leading U.S. airlines, formerly known as the Air Transport Association.

The trade group estimates the holiday travel period will see fewer fliers than a year ago due to lingering economic concerns. Even so, flights are still expected to be full, as airlines have adjusted capacity in response to rising cost pressures.

In total, A4A expects about 43.3 million air travelers to fly on U.S. carriers’ domestic and international routes during a 21-day period – a one percent drop from the same period last year – or about 20,000 fewer travelers per day, on average.

Daily volume

Daily passenger volumes are expected to range from 1.6 million to 2.3 million during the holiday. The busiest days are expected to be between Dec. 21-23, Dec. 26-30 and Jan. 2 and 3, based on sample data from the 2009 and 2010 winter holiday periods. On the busiest days, average load factors may top 85 percent.

“This holiday season will see a traffic decrease consistent with the slowdown reported in recent months,” said A4A Vice President and Chief Economist John Heimlich.

Other reasons

While the economy may indeed be depressing air travel, it could well be that an increasing number of travelers have considered the intrusive security measures, baggage fees, lost luggage, cancelled flights and iffy weather this time of year and made the calculation that it would be better to drive to their destination.

"I flew United Airlines business from London to MSP via Chicago," Nicole, of Stewartville, Minn., told ConsumerAffairs.com. "I checked two bags and I had the following items stolen: work-issued Dell laptop, Tiffany's jewelry, and new in box make-up."

Consumers traveling at this time of year can be expected to be carrying gifts, and with reports of baggage theft mounting, it's not unreasonable to think that travelers might think twice about flying, if there were alternatives available.

Heimlich says consumers who do choose to fly should not expect to find an empty seat next to them because of the reduced number of passengers. The airlines, he says, are reducing capacity over the next few days to preserve profitability.

Consumers who are traveling by air during the holidays are encouraged to check their flight status at their air carrier’s website before leaving for the airport, and to remember to arrive early to allow plenty of time for check-in and security screening.