US Airlines To See 3.5 Pct More Passengers

US airline trade group Airlines for America said over 45 million people will fly on US carriers worldwide over the 21-day winter holiday season.

During the period from Friday, December 16 to Thursday, January 5, A4A is forecasting 45.2 million passengers, an increase of 3.5 percent from last year.

Airlines will use larger aircraft and add flights to accommodate the 73,000 extra passengers expected each day during the period.

“US airlines are well positioned to handle the increase in passengers expected this holiday season,” Airlines for America VP John Heimlich said.

“An improving economy and reduced airfares remain the driving force behind the growth seen in air travel,” Heimlich added.

A4A expects Thursday, December 22 and Friday, December 23 will be the busiest travel days, with Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day the quietest.

The busiest airports by available seats offered are expected to be Atlanta, Chicago O’Hare, Los Angeles, Dallas/Fort Worth, Denver, Charlotte, Houston, New York-JFK, San Francisco and Phoenix.