ATA expects 43 million passengers over winter holiday period.
Press Release Summary:
ATA is forecasting 9% year-over-year decrease in number of passengers who will travel globally on U.S. airlines during 21-day winter holiday travel season spanning Dec 18, 2008 through Jan 7, 2009. Decline is driven primarily by extremely fragile economy and falling global demand for travel. However, number of available seats has declined 9% from same period 1 year ago, resulting in full or near-full flights throughout holiday.
Original Press Release:
Air Transport Association Expects 43 Million Passengers To Travel Over Winter Holiday Period
Planes Will Be Full with 9 Percent Fewer Available Seats
WASHINGTON, Dec. 11, 2008 - The Air Transport Association of America (ATA), the industry trade organization for the leading U.S. airlines, is forecasting a 9 percent year-over-year decrease in the number of passengers* who will travel globally on U.S. airlines during the 21-day winter holiday travel season (spanning Thurs., Dec. 18, 2008, through Wed., Jan. 7, 2009). The number of available seats has declined 9 percent from the same period a year ago, resulting in full or near-full flights throughout the holiday.
"While planes will be at or near capacity over the winter holiday travel period, the U.S. airline industry will see a decline in the total number of passengers this travel season," said ATA President and CEO James C. May. "The decline is driven primarily by an extremely fragile economy and falling global demand for travel."
May added that U.S. airlines will carry approximately 2 million passengers per day over the 21-day period, with the busiest days expected to be Friday, Dec. 19 and Saturday, Dec. 27. On these days, ATA estimates that planes will average 90 percent full.
ATA Vice President and Chief Economist John Heimlich observed, "All signs suggest that the schedule cuts prompted by high fuel prices in 2008 will deepen in 2009, primarily due to the rapidly deteriorating economic environment and the volatility of the industry' cost of operations."
ATA, once again, is calling for full cooperation with the federal government and airports to ease system congestion during the holiday travel season.
"We are pleased that the industry has achieved significant improvements in on-time operations and in improving the customer experience," said May. "Carriers continue to work internally and with government to find ways to further reduce delays, especially over the holidays." May said that airlines will remain focused on continuing to provide safe, efficient air transportation.
ATA says that carriers will be prepared for the number of fliers expected over the next several weeks. But given this season's tendency toward inclement weather, ATA urges passengers to make sure that they themselves are prepared, and offers the following travel tips:
o Pack any gifts unwrapped, as they may need to be inspected by security.
o Use automated check-in options, offered via airline Web sites and at airport kiosks, up to 24 hours before departure.
o Sign up with your airline to receive automated travel notifications delivered to your cell phone or wireless device; in the event of system delays, airlines will keep travelers informed of flight and schedule changes. Passengers can also check on the latest airport delays via the FAA Web site.
o Travel with an unexpired government-issued photo identification.
o Allow plenty of time for checking in and for security screening at the airport. If traveling on the busiest days, plan for longer-than-usual security lines. And remember that families and individuals traveling with medically necessary liquids this holiday season can take advantage of specially-designated Transportation Security Administration (TSA) family lanes.
o Familiarize yourself with the latest TSA 3-1-1 security program rules at www.tsa.gov, and with the list of TSA permitted and prohibited items.
o At the security checkpoint, place metallic objects (including keys, coins, pens, cell phone, watch, camera) in carry-on baggage. Plan to carry small electronics and spare batteries with you. Check DOT restrictions against packing batteries in checked luggage before getting to the airport.
o Tag each bag, inside and out, with traveler name and contact information, and remove all destination baggage tags from previous trips.
ATA airline members and their affiliates transport more than 90 percent of all U.S. airline passenger and cargo traffic. For additional information about the industry, visit www.airlines.org.
*The total number of revenue passengers boarding aircraft in scheduled service.
CONTACT: Elizabeth Merida
202-626-4205
Victoria Day
202-626-4141
