On Sunday, airports across the nation saw a record-breaking number of travelers returning home after Thanksgiving, with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) reporting that over 3 million people were screened. Specifically, the TSA recorded 3.09 million travelers, surpassing the previous record set on July 7 by approximately 74,000 travelers.
Despite the record numbers, Sunday was challenging for many as hundreds of thousands faced flight delays or cancellations. Airlines canceled around 120 flights within the U.S., which is considered a typical figure for busy travel days. However, more than 6,800 flights experienced delays, with Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport and Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport recording the highest numbers of disruptions.
The TSA had anticipated a 6% increase in air travel during the Thanksgiving week compared to the same period last year, reflecting an ongoing trend of high travel volume in 2024. This surge in travel underscores Americans’ willingness to fly, despite potential inconveniences.
