Holiday Weekend Travel Chaos: Flight Delays and Record Crowds Expected

Widespread flight delays and cancellations are expected to worsen as the long July 4 holiday weekend approaches, posing a significant challenge for airlines struggling to handle the surge in passenger numbers. Thunderstorms in the Northeast have compounded the delays, with disruptions spreading westward. On Tuesday, over 6,500 flights were delayed and 1,900 were canceled on the East Coast. Travel is expected to peak on Thursday, with more than 52,500 total flights. Passengers have taken to social media to express frustration, blaming airlines for the lack of customer service. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg has criticized airlines for scheduling more flights than they can handle, while United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby blamed a shortage of air traffic controllers for disruptions. The FAA has admitted to being understaffed and lacking a plan to address the issue.