Think Air Travel Is A Hassle? You Havent Seen Anything Yet

Not to be alarmists but, as the JetBlue CEO put it during an industry webinar, matching the travel experience we had in 2022 would be a “good outcome.” If you traveled last summer, you know that’s not particularly optimistic. Flying was a nightmare. This year, things are looking just as bad—if not worse.

Air Traffic Control Can’t Keep Up

While habit might have you blaming the airlines for a tough summer, check your assumptions: they’re also facing challenges outside of their control. An understaffed Air Traffic Control—to the tune of 3,000 employees short—could compound delays. While there are employee shortages nationwide, the New York City area is particularly impacted. Delays could spike by up to 45% compared to normal.

First, the bright side. Airlines have reduced their schedules at the hardest hit airports. With fewer flights to worry about, Air Traffic Control should have an easier job holding orderly operations. American, Delta and JetBlue, all of which have significant presences at New York-area airports, have already canceled summer frequencies. Customers should have plenty of notice to rebook on alternate schedules instead of being disrupted in the heat of the moment.

As always, operations are designed to run without incident under normal circumstances. However, even a reduced set of departures could still face significant delays if flights stack up due to thunderstorms, hurricanes or other weather issues.

Flights Are at Full Capacity

Don’t count on an open middle seat on your next flight. The TSA is expecting a record season of air travel. Leisure travel demand in particular is still sky-high with bookings already reaching impressive levels. Delta Air Lines’ international flights for the summer are more than 75% booked. United Airlines also reports that there is “unprecedented demand for overseas travel,” seeing international bookings 15% higher compared to last year.

For those just starting to plan travel, consider this your friendly motivator to start booking while you still have options. The combination of higher demand and fewer flights, as noted above, mean there may be fewer last-minute options than you’re used to. This could be especially troublesome in the event a party needs to be rebooked due to a missed connection or other irregular operations.

Even if you have a ticket secured, full flights are likely to impact you in other ways. Overhead bin space will be at a premium. Elite status or airline credit card benefits like checked bags and priority boarding may be more valuable than ever.

Crew Strikes Lead to Cancellations

Airline strikes are nothing new but given their disruptive nature, they’re worth keeping in the back of your mind as you plan summer travel. Europe has already seen recent strikes amongst both airline employees and air traffic control; more are sure to come. Strikes within the U.S. are less common but not impossible. In fact, American Airlines pilots have already authorized a potential strike, though are hoping to negotiate favorable terms before it reaches that point.

Strikes are never easy from a traveler’s perspective. Flights are canceled, sometimes in huge numbers, which can delay your travel until normal operations resume. With flights at full capacity, though, it could mean even longer waits to be rebooked. When there aren’t many open seats on later flights, it could take days to get where you need to be.

Airport Lounges Are Busier Than Ever

Lounges were once an oasis during long waits at the airport, but the experience won’t necessarily be the zen-like moment you’re looking for anymore. Even without an uptick in travelers for the summer season, airport lounges are overcrowded. At times, lines to get in are out the door. Once inside, it may be difficult to find quiet, private seating for your group.

Don’t be entirely disheartened. Some airport lounges are still reserved only for business- and first-class passengers on their airline in order to better control the experience. Some lounges, notably in London, have gone to a reservation system so you may want to check online and see if you can secure spot.

And some locations that provide entry to anyone who has credit cards with lounge access privileges still have plenty of space at certain points throughout the day, especially now that some cards have implemented policy changes to the number of guests (if any) who can tag along.

Like everything this summer, be prepared for things not to go as planned.

Randy Marsh shits-South Park