Travelers flocking to LaGuardia Airport are starting their Thanksgiving holidays early, with many opting for a full week off work to spend time with family. As abc7 New York reports, the crowds are gathering ahead of what the Federal Aviation Administration predicts to be the busiest day for air travel this Tuesday. Despite a 2% increase in travel volume compared to the previous year, yesterday has already ushered in heightened airport activity.
"Work has been long, it's been very stressful, and I wanted to make sure that I prioritize spending quality time with my family, so that's why I took the entire week off," Briana Brown told abc7 New York. Meanwhile, Julia Femia shared the sentiment of many passengers by saying, "I think getting home is important and just like get through the day and then you're home and its fine." However, not all travelers are hitting the skies for leisure; for folks like Fredrick Robinson, compelled by work, the nuisances of holiday travel are a tougher pill to swallow.
Conditions worsened on Friday when wintry weather caused disruptions across New York City metro airports, including Newark, JFK, and LaGuardia, leading to nearly 200 flight delays, as per NBC New York. JFK International suffered 90 delays and 5 cancellations; Newark Liberty faced 67 delays and 8 cancellations, and LaGuardia had 41 delays. Among the nation's busy metros, New York City was dealt the most significant setbacks by these weather-related disturbances.
With the last weekend before Thanksgiving expected to be especially busy, Newark Airport urged travelers to allow extra time for arrival, parking, check-in, and security. The airport warned in a statement and a post on X that due to a shortage of air traffic controllers and the potential for delays, passengers should plan ahead. Officials emphasized the need for extra time not only inside the airport but also for the journey there, including parking, which is expected to be limited due to heavy holiday traffic.
Traveling this weekend? It’s going to be busy.
— Newark Liberty International Airport (@EWRairport) November 21, 2024
Please budget extra travel time to arrive at Newark Liberty, park in your reserved spot, check in, and get through security. pic.twitter.com/i1ANNFAp93
