Several airlines operating flights in the United States announced plans to cut more than 30,000 scheduled flights starting in November. These restrictions will contribute to an already chaotic and competitive travel environment.
After COVID-19 curtails travel plans for millions of Americans, people want to take vacations and visit family. The high demand for flights makes these restrictions unbearable for many.
Most of the planned flight reductions are from American Airlines. It plans to cut more than 29,000 flights.
In November 2022, American Airlines will operate 155,770 flights compared to the 195,659 flights it originally planned to offer.
The reductions include reduced flight frequency and the complete cancellation of some routes. The canceled routes include: Chicago to San Jose, Miami to Milwaukee, Phoenix to Cleveland and Chicago to Evansville.
Other airlines cut schedules Delta, which will reduce its flights by 4,396 in November 2022. United Airlines will cut 497 flights in November.
WestJet cut 410 flights for November, while Frontier announced it had canceled 90 flights scheduled for November.
Hopefully, these early announcements give travelers enough time to request a refund or reschedule their trip with another carrier. However, airlines note that additional restrictions may be made with less notice during the late fall and winter seasons.
Potential travelers can take solace in some good news this fall. The cost of flights can be reduced by up to 40%.
International travel rates will drop by around 19% compared to last year. Domestic flight costs should drop at least 25% this fall compared to last fall.
Last year, the average domestic flight cost $400. This fall, the average ticket for domestic travel will be around $286.
At the same time, hotel and fuel costs have also come down, which can help travelers save money on their domestic journeys.
