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.
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.
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.”
Get the latest aviation news straight to your inbox: Sign up for our newsletters today.
Busiest 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:
- Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) - 4.6 million
- Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) - 3.5 million
- Denver International Airport (DEN) - 3.4 million
- Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) - 3.35 million
- Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) - 3.32 million
- New York J F Kennedy Airport (JFK) - 2.9 million
- Las Vegas Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) - 2.7 million
- Orlando International Airport (MCO) - 2.6 million
- Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) - 2.4 million
- 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