American Airlines Flight Cuts May Have Effect on Thanksgiving Travel

As more airlines and airports make attempts to reduce expenses, travelers are quickly finding fewer customer service 'perks' and even shrinking flight schedules to some of the country's key destinations. American Airlines is just one of several major airlines that is eliminating flights to major airports; Chicago O'Hare is part of the reduction plan, and American Airlines will be eliminating 62 flights in total. 34 of these flights will be cut from the American Eagle line, its regional carrier, which means there will be fewer non and one-stop flights available from major departure cities throughout the U.S. this Fall and winter.

American Airlines plans to begin cutting flights in early November, and this will effect thousands of travelers making Thanksgiving plans this year. Other airlines are joining the downsizing trend by reducing flight options, increasing rates for domestic flights, and even imposing fees on baggage for domestic travel. All of these cost-saving strategies could lead many Americans to simply forego their usual Thanksgiving trip altogether and pursue other modes of transportation – or postpone a trip to visit the family until a later date.

According to the Chicago Tribune, American Airlines is officially ending service to Samana in the Dominican Republic, Albany, New York; Providence, Rhode Island; Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; Barranquilla, Colombia; and San Luis Obispo, California. Domestic flights to several other cities may no longer be available for non-stop itineraries.

As fewer Americans take flight this Thanksgiving season, this could mean reduced congestion at the airports and a higher chance of on-time flights. Reduced planes and carriers at popular hubs such as Chicago O'Hare and other key airports across the country could make daily airport operations much smoother, and eliminate many of the hassles of airport flight departures and arrivals. Still, this Thanksgiving may require many people to forego their usual flight and select other, more convenient modes of transportation – or alternative airlines – instead.