Strikes, rain, and snow create obstacles during record-breaking Thanksgiving travel week.

Strikes, Rain, and Snow Create Obstacles During Record-Breaking Thanksgiving Travel Week

This year's Thanksgiving travel period is shaping up to be the busiest on record, but travelers are facing a slew of obstacles, including strikes, heavy rain, and snowstorms, threatening to disrupt their plans.

An estimated 100 million people are expected to travel more than 50 miles this week, taking to the skies, roads, railways, and even cruise ships. However, with two major storm systems moving across the country, many are bracing for delays and cancellations. Since Friday, over 17,000 flights have already been delayed or canceled due to severe weather, and more disruptions are expected in the days ahead.

The first storm system, which has already impacted parts of the Midwest and Northeast, is bringing rain and snow to much of the country. On Monday, parts of the Rockies and Cascades could see high winds and snowfall, making travel treacherous in mountain areas. Michigan's Upper Peninsula is expected to receive up to 5 inches of snow, while other regions from the Southeast to the Northeast could face up to an inch of rain. By Wednesday, the storm will intensify, affecting travel along the Eastern Seaboard with a wintry mix of rain, snow, and strong winds.

On top of the weather disruptions, labor strikes are adding another layer of difficulty. At Charlotte Douglas International Airport in North Carolina, service workers went on strike early Monday, protesting low wages and poor working conditions. The workers, who include plane cleaners and passenger assistants, have also called for better pay and more respect during the holiday rush. Charlotte Douglas, the ninth-busiest airport in the country, serves more than 25 million passengers annually, and the strike could lead to delays in airport services.

In Los Angeles, workers at LAX are planning a rally to demand higher wages and better benefits, potentially causing further delays on the West Coast. The Service Employees International Union (SEIU) is pushing for a wage increase from $25 to $30 an hour, which could further complicate travel for thousands of passengers.

As of Monday morning, air travel seemed to be relatively unaffected, with the FlightAware misery map showing just 110 delays and four cancellations. However, with many travelers still on the move and the storm system expected to intensify, more disruptions are anticipated throughout the week.

With Thanksgiving falling later than usual this year, travel is expected to peak on Monday and Tuesday as people return home. Airports in Orlando and Miami are expected to see significant traffic, with each anticipating 1.9 million travelers during the 12-day travel period. On the roads, 71.7 million Americans are expected to drive this Thanksgiving, with Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons predicted to be the busiest times.

For those hoping to avoid the worst of the travel chaos, experts suggest leaving early in the morning, as afternoons are likely to be the busiest. Interestingly, Thanksgiving Day itself is often the best time to travel, with fewer crowds and potentially lower airfare prices.

As travelers prepare for what is shaping up to be a stressful holiday season, they will be hoping that the weather clears up and that labor strikes do not further derail their plans. With high levels of air travel and a perfect storm of weather and labor issues, this Thanksgiving may be one to remember for all the wrong reasons.