Holiday Travel Predictions and Tips from Transportation Secretary Duffy

As the Thanksgiving travel season kicks off, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warns that travelers should be ready for busy airports and highways. During a press conference at Chicago O’Hare airport, he noted that this year could set a record for the number of travelers.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) expects about 31 million people to fly, while AAA estimates that 73 million will travel by car. Duffy mentioned that the FAA is implementing various measures to ensure safe and efficient traffic management at airports, reassuring passengers they will have a secure journey.

To help alleviate some travel stress, Duffy offered a few simple suggestions for those flying. He advised travelers to arrive early to avoid the rush, saying, “Come a little early, you know — don’t be rushing through the airport cause the lines might be a little longer. Tack on your best attitude, we’re gonna get through this and have a great Thanksgiving with our families.”

For those hitting the road this holiday, he shared some positive news regarding fuel prices, pointing out that gas is averaging $0.32 per gallon, making road travel more affordable. Additionally, he mentioned that car rental rates are down by 15%, which should ease some worries for those flying in need of a rental.

Furthermore, Duffy introduced a new civility campaign titled “The Golden Age of Travel Starts with you.” This initiative aims to promote kindness and respect during travel, suggesting that simple acts of courtesy can enhance everyone’s experience during this busy season. He emphasized, “I’m not trying to put blame on anybody, I’m just asking us all to be better and do better, and we’ll all have a more pleasant experience.”

Finally, he called on Congress to provide more funding for modernizing the U.S. airspace infrastructure, highlighting the importance of keeping up with growing travel demands.