A pandemic-era record number of people took to the skies over the Fourth of July weekend in the US despite predictions of a hellish few days for air travel.
Breaking news: Nearly 2.5 million people passed through US airport security checkpoints on Friday, the most since February 2020.
Why it matters: The airline system is struggling with staff shortages and other issues, making the past few days a major test for airlines, airports and the Federal Aviation Administration.
By the numbers: 26.9% of US-based carrier arrivals were delayed on Friday, according to FlightAware, with an average delay of 51 minutes. Another 464 flights were cancelled.
Yes, but: Airlines were struggling during busy holiday weekends even before the pandemic: daily delay rates hovered around 20% over the 4th of July 2019 weekend.
Generally good weather across the US has helped prevent major disturbances this July 4th weekend.
Backstory: Some airlines have taken extraordinary preventative measures to manage demand.
Some US lawmakers, including Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, are calling on Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg to fine airlines for delays and cancellations.
Be smart: Airports and airlines are also struggling in Europe, Australia and Canada due to staffing problems and labor strikes.
💬 Alex’s thought bubble: Lawmakers missed a unique opportunity for airline reform when they bailed out carriers earlier in the pandemic without encouraging better on-time performance.
