Flight cuts jolt US travel, sending many to trains and buses
Major airport traffic controls lead to 760 canceled flights Friday, pushing travelers toward rail, bus, and roads ahead of the holidays.
ST. LOUIS — A series of flight cancellations was mapped out all across the nation Thursday to reduce air traffic at the nation’s busiest airports, a move that is expected to increase pressure on alternative ground transportation services in the days leading up to the holiday travel season.
According to the research company Flight Aware, people scheduled to board some 760 flights will not be able to Friday, as those routes have been canceled to mitigate airport congestion. As those numbers climb, other transportation sources are welcoming travelers with open arms. When travelers have to get from point A to point B, they want as few headaches as possible.
The Federal Aviation Administration has directed 40 of the nation’s busiest airports to cut flights by 10%. Although St. Louis Lambert International is not one of the airports directly affected by the FAA mandate, travelers may still encounter problems when connecting at major hubs like Atlanta, Denver, or Charlotte.
The uncertainty of air travel is already pushing some to rethink things. Caroline Springer, returning from Chicago, noted that the train is becoming a welcomed option instead of always hopping on a plane.
“I really enjoyed it,” she said, adding that with the possibility of flight cancellations, she’d rather save the frustration. “It just seems like a lot of bother for a lot of money.”
Kevin Mulverhill, who was headed to Texas, confirmed that the current travel climate affected his mode of transportation directly.
“I’m not flying because of the government shutdown,” he said.
“So what are you going to do?” 5 On Your Side asked.
“Just use the train,” he quickly responded.
Ground alternatives brace for influx
Amtrak reports that the demand for rail travel began growing before the recent air traffic concerns, indicating a change in some travel preferences.
“The Thanksgiving demand growth we are seeing began prior to the government shutdown, reflecting a travel mode preference for rail. If flight delays and cancellations become pervasive, it is reasonable to expect an increased share shift to Amtrak. In the meantime, we encourage travelers to book now and early for guaranteed reservations,” Spokesman Marc Magliari said in a statement.
Meanwhile, Greyhound is also preparing to absorb the influx of travelers.
Kai Boysan, CEO of Flix North America, the parent company of FlixBus and Greyhound, issued a statement addressing the disruptions.
“With flights expected to be impacted over the next few days, we know this is an incredibly frustrating time for travelers just trying to reach family, work, or home. Our message is simple: you still have options. Intercity bus travel remains one of the most dependable ways to get around, especially when flying becomes unpredictable.
“Buses aren’t impacted by air traffic reductions or TSA delays, and they operate frequent, direct connections between city centers, ensuring people can continue to move reliably through the transportation network, even when part of the system is strained. With many routes also departing from major airports, travelers can easily pivot if their plans change. We anticipate more travelers may turn to ground transportation in the days ahead, and we’re monitoring demand closely and prepared to add capacity where needed to ensure people can keep moving.”
AAA advises travelers on road congestion
Travelers within driving distance of their destinations are being urged to consider taking their vehicles, though experts warn of increased congestion on already busy holiday roads.
Nick Chabarria of AAA advises:
“Remain as flexible as possible. That could be rethinking your travel plans for Thanksgiving if you’re maybe within driving distance.”
He added that the shift in modes of transportation could further impact holiday traffic.
“It could add more volume to already busy roads, especially over the course of the Thanksgiving week and following weekend.”
AAA recommends picking slower travel days, such as the Monday or Tuesday before Thanksgiving, and returning in the middle of the week following the holiday, to avoid peak road congestion.
Despite preferring air travel, Mulverhill summed up the decision facing many Americans:
“I’d rather fly but I’m not going to take the chance of sitting there for hours and hours.”
Greyhound officials say they’re prepared to add capacity if demand begins to climb.
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