Insane Travel Ahead: 79.9 Million Americans Set to Break Thanksgiving Records!

If you thought last year’s holiday travel was insane, well, buckle your seatbelt. AAA projects 79.9 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more from their home over Thanksgiving, an increase of 1.7 million over last year. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg says this could make for some of the busiest travel days in American history.

This surge in travel is not only a testament to the strong economy but also to the growing demand for travel and reunions with family and friends. The period from the day before Thanksgiving to the Sunday after the holiday is expected to be one of the busiest travel periods in recent memory, with many major airports and highways likely to be congested.

But there is some good news for travelers. The U.S. Department of Transportation recently implemented new consumer protections aimed at helping travelers navigate the complexities of modern air travel. The new rules require airlines to provide passengers with more transparent information about their flights, including any additional fees for services such as checked bags or seat selection.

One of the biggest changes under the new rules is the requirement that airlines must now provide a clear breakdown of all the fees associated with a particular flight. This means that passengers will no longer be surprised by additional charges when they check in or board their flight. Instead, they will have a clear understanding of exactly how much their flight will cost from the outset.

The new rules also require airlines to provide more compensation to passengers who are subjected to delays or cancellations. Under the old rules, passengers were entitled to a reimbursement of up to $1,300 if their flight was delayed or canceled. However, this amount was often not sufficient to cover the full costs incurred by passengers, such as the cost of food, accommodations, and other necessities.

Under the new rules, airlines must now provide a minimum of $2,000 in compensation to passengers who are subjected to delays or cancellations. This amount is intended to provide a more realistic level of compensation for passengers who are forced to endure extended delays or cancellations.

Another key change under the new rules is the requirement that airlines must provide more assistance to passengers with disabilities. Airlines must now provide more accessible seating options, as well as more assistance with boarding and deplaning. This is intended to make air travel more accessible and inclusive for passengers with disabilities.

While the new consumer protections are certainly welcome news for travelers, there are still steps that passengers can take to protect themselves. One of the most important things passengers can do is to carefully read and understand the terms and conditions of their ticket before purchasing. This includes reviewing any additional fees associated with the flight, as well as any restrictions on changes or cancellations.

Passengers should also be aware of their rights under the new rules and should not hesitate to speak up if they encounter any problems or issues during their travels. Whether it is a delay or cancellation, or a dispute over fees or compensation, passengers should be empowered to advocate for themselves and seek assistance if needed.