US Airlines Aim for Year-End Sales Turnaround "Biggest in 18 Years"

U.S. airlines are aiming for a turnaround in performance ahead of the peak season from Thanksgiving to the year-end holidays.

On the 19th (local time), MarketWatch cited data from the U.S. Department of Transportation, reporting that the number of air passengers during this year's Thanksgiving week (November 22-26) is expected to reach 4.7 million. This is the highest level in 18 years.

According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), the total number of travelers using air, train, car, and other transportation during this period is expected to reach 55.4 million. AAA stated, "Since the related statistics began being compiled in 2000, this will be the third busiest Thanksgiving."

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According to a Deloitte survey, about half (48%) of Americans are planning to travel during the year-end and New Year peak season from Thanksgiving through mid-January next year. This is a 17 percentage point increase compared to the same period last year (31%).

This increase in travelers is partly due to a base effect from last year. Last year, a 'bomb cyclone' accompanied by heavy snow and cold waves swept across the U.S., causing road blockages and flight disruptions with numerous delays and cancellations.

Airlines have made thorough preparations, including increasing flights, ahead of the year-end peak season when sales are concentrated. Major U.S. airlines such as American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines expect the number of air passengers during the holiday period from Thanksgiving (the fourth Thursday of November) through Christmas to reach record levels, NBC News reported.

Andrew Waterson, Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Southwest Airlines, said, "We are preparing for an increase in year-end air passengers along with the possibility of weather disruptions similar to last year."

Flight cancellation rates have also improved. Scott Keyes, founder of the airfare tracking site Going, said, "Excluding force majeure reasons such as natural disasters, flight cancellations have dropped to their lowest level in years," adding, "Many airlines have increased the number of pilots, flight attendants, and available aircraft to meet the rising passenger demand."