FAA preparing for busiest Thanksgiving travel period in 15 years – Coinciding with the launch of new ‘Civility’ campaign

The Federal Aviation Administration predicts more than 360,000 flights will take place this busy holiday period. The FAA estimates that Tuesday, 25 November will be a ‘peak travel day’, with more than 52,000 flights taking off across the United States that day.

FAA Administrator praises ATC and employees ahead of holiday period

FAA Administrator, Bryan Bedford has shared his praise towards employees and thanked them for their dedication prior to the travel period, assuring passengers that they are ‘ready for the holiday rush’. In a statement, Bedford details:

‘I am deeply grateful to our entire FAA team. Even through a period of record-high traffic, their unwavering commitment keeps the system running safely’.

FAA launches new proactive public service campaign

The campaign aims to inspire civility among passengers and staff after a recent surge in passengers disrupting travel for others.

The new civility campaign, titled: ‘The Golden Age of Travel Starts with You’, is intended to start a nationwide conversation on how to bring back courtesy to air travel. This will both aid in a better travel experience for the public, and will help to ‘ensure the safety of passengers, gate workers, flight attendants, and pilots’.

The campaign video shows the difference between early ‘golden’ days of travel, where flights were less chaotic – to nowadays, where fights break out over reclining seats and who gets to board the plane first.

The FAA records a 400% increase of in-flight outbursts since 2019

This increase ranges from disruptive behaviour to violence towards other passengers and staff. In 2024 the FAA saw double the number of unruly passenger events compared with 2019, highlighting the need for the new civility campaign.

1 in 5 flight attendants experienced physical incidents in 2021, and numerous incidents arose on social media starting conversations on what is ‘appropriate’ to wear onboard a plane and while travelling.

The core message of the new campaign is to make travellers aware of how to ensure a smooth, and calm journey while travelling to family or friends over the holiday period, calling for the restoration of ‘The Golden Age of Travel’.

Remember to be prepared and be patient with staff and fellow passengers this holiday season.

What are your thoughts on travelling this holiday period? Do you agree that travelling has become more unruly and hostile? Let us know in the comments below