Airlines in North America remain cautious regarding capacity as we inch closer to the festive travel period. Results show that American carriers are offering one million seats less than in 2019 (-5.2%). However, this is a sharp increase compared with last year (+15.3%) when airlines limped through the COVID-19 pandemic.

US airlines and airports are preparing for their busiest travel weekend since 2019. Unfortunately, this hasn't stopped airlines from maintaining a reduced schedule, with many airlines still under the grips of airplane and staff shortages.

American Airlines JetBlue Airways Planes
Photo: Getty Images

The travel industry has spent 2022 in campaign mode, enticing people to travel again and reminding us that it is somewhat safe to do so. Unfortunately, with continued strains on aircraft deliveries and staff hiring, airlines are in a sticky situation where compressed schedules and cancelations are still the norms.

Most carriers operating at reduced capacity

Comparing October with November, American Airlines remains the most significant carrier offering 18.3 million one-way seats. They were followed closely by Southwest at 17.5 million and Delta at 16.2 million. United sits at 13.1 million, the next closest being Alaska Airlines at 4.01 million. These may sound like big numbers. American Airlines' capacity is a sharp 5% decrease compared with October this year, with most airlines showing a decline. JetBlue is bucking the trend, offering 3.7 million one-way seats, a 1% increase.

All of the big three in America are still operating less than in 2019
Photo: Getty Images

Over Thanksgiving weekend, modelers believe that 69% of traveling Americans will take to the road, and 46% will fly. American Airlines Chief Financial Officer Derek Kerr commented on the airline's plan of attack:

“We continue to believe that 2023 demand for air travel will be robust,”

We currently see no signs of demand slowing as we move into the new year. But … we will continue to size the airline for the resources we have with a focus on reliability and profitability.”

“As we move into 2023, the constraints facing our business today will remain. Those constraints are slower than planned aircraft deliveries and lower utilization of our fleet largely driven by regional pilot constraints.”

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A JetBlue Airbus Takes Off From Fort Lauderdale In Front of Two Spirit AirbusesBusiest airports across the United States

Atlanta remains the busiest airport in the nation, operating 4.6 million seats across the month, followed by Dallas Fort Worth at 3.5 million, marginally ahead of Denver at 3.4 million. Most airports expected in the top 10 remain unchanged. However, Miami has replaced Seattle. Let's have a look at the top ten by seats in the numbers below:

  1. Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) - 4.6 million
  2. Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) - 3.5 million
  3. Denver International Airport (DEN) - 3.4 million
  4. Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) - 3.35 million
  5. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) - 3.32 million
  6. New York J F Kennedy Airport (JFK) - 2.9 million
  7. Las Vegas Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) - 2.7 million
  8. Orlando International Airport (MCO) - 2.6 million
  9. Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) - 2.4 million
  10. Miami International Airport (MIA) - 2.3 million

Adding Florida to the mix isn't unexpected, with November adding over 600,000 new seats compared to October. Even with airlines attempting to ramp up services, passengers will need to be patient as the industry continues to heal from a few testing years through the pandemic. Will 2023 look brighter for passengers?

Sources: OAG, Routesonline

  • N14106 United Airlines (Her Art Here-California Livery) Boeing 757-224 (1)
    United Airlines
    Region:
    North America
    Loyalty Program:
    MileagePlus
  • JetBlue Airways Airbus A321-200
    JetBlue
    IATA/ICAO Code:
    B6/JBA
    Hub(s):
    Boston Logan International Airport, Los Angeles International Airport, New York JFK Airport, Orlando International Airport
    Year Founded:
    2000
    CEO:
    Robin Hayes
    Country:
    United States
  • Southwest Airlines Boeing 737-700 San Francisco
    Southwest Airlines
    IATA/ICAO Code:
    WN/SWA
    Airline Type:
    Low-Cost Carrier
    Hub(s):
    Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, Dallas Love Field, Denver International Airport, Harry Reid International Airport, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Houston Hobby Airport, Los Angeles International Airport, Midway International Airport, Oakland International Airport, Orlando International Airport, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport
    Year Founded:
    1967
    CEO:
    Robert Jordan
    Country:
    United States