US air travel has seen a very bumpy year filled with safety incidents, fatal accidents and an air traffic control meltdown that has expedited plans for a complete overhaul of the system. 2025 started with a tragedy in Washington, when 67 people died in a midair collision between a commercial jet and an Army helicopter. Heightened anxieties stirred national attention to close calls between commercial jets and go-around maneuvers performed by pilots to prevent accidents. To top it off, an air traffic control meltdown plagued Newark Liberty International Airport for weeks after staffing shortages and technology outages caused hours-long delays. All this raising the question: What will summer look like for air travelers in the US? Prepare for disruptions, experts say. The kickoff to the summer travel season starts with Memorial Day weekend, when United Airlines alone is expected to fly 300,000 more passengers than last year. The Federal Aviation Administration is expecting record-high travel over the holiday weekend and its busiest summer in 15 years, with the peak at the end of July. The agency has said it’s prepared for the high volume, but travel industry experts warn that understaffing and infrastructure breakdowns could complicate operations. There are plans in the works from the Department of Transportation and the FAA to address these issues at airports and air traffic control facilities, but a complete revamp of the air traffic control system will take at least the next three to four years. Summer travel usually comes with disruptions If you’re traveling this summer, be sure to plan for a possible disruption. Disruptions are “always worse in the summer,” said Hayley Berg, lead economist at travel booking and price tracking company Hopper. “In the summer, there’s more people flying,” Berg said. “Airports are busier, I think we are certainly starting to see the impact of understaffing, as airlines are now in their second or third year of flying full capacity and air traffic and airport staffing are not back to the levels that we would need to support the volume.” Overall, she said, disruption rates are down for May compared to previous years, however, specific airports have had a bad month. Newark Liberty International Airport has dealt with four separate technology outages since April 28. Staffing is stretched thin at the facility that controls approaches and departures of flights, and a runway is still under construction. The FAA ordered airlines to decrease flights at Newark by about 25%, compared to the number of flights there in early April. After June 15, when runway construction is not ongoing, some flights can return – but the airport is still limited to fewer flights than before. Les Abend, a retired American Airlines Boeing 777 captain, said the problems that have been plaguing Newark recently could “start leaking out of other facilities.” But he underlined that the US already has next-generation (NextGen) air traffic control capabilities. “It’s the infrastructure that supplies the data that’s become the issue,” he said. Disruptions such as the air traffic control outages that happened at Newark can create a “domino effect” on flights in other places. Add air traffic controller shortages and the time that it takes to train a controller at any given facility to that mix, plus typical summer storms that can slow operations, and “Yeah, it can be a recipe for frustration for travelers. There’s no doubt,” said Abend. “The fact that we’re seeing that our infrastructure is breaking down, to some extent — it’s not going to collapse by any means — it’s just going to be bits and pieces. And it’s just going to create frustration as far as delays, cancellations, so on and so forth.” But he added that he wants to reassure the public. “It’s still a safe system. If you lose contact with air traffic control, we as pilots have a system and a protocol to do certain things,” Abend said. Abend said he’s not anticipating system-wide disruption this summer. “I would say the majority of times, you’re going to get to where you want to go when you’re scheduled to get there.” Newark is making passengers nervous Summer is a hotspot at Newark Airport, which is an international hub for many flyers heading to Europe or many other transatlantic destinations, Berg said. “Those passengers, I think, are certainly feeling some anxiety about what their travel plans are going to look like,” she said. Despite the natural hassle that comes with packed airports and crowded planes, most travelers will still take the trip, according to Tomasz Pawliszyn, CEO of AirHelp, an online service that helps travelers seek compensation when plans are disrupted. But he thinks many passengers have changed their attitudes towards Newark Airport. “(Travelers) are really cautious on what’s going on and how they fly, and I think the media attention also brought up quite a lot of problems to the surface, that existed for years,” he said. A busy summer despite economic worries Domestic airfare is down about 3% from the same time last year, which is the lowest level since 2021 at $265 per round trip ticket, Hopper’s 2025 summer travel outlook reported. Fares to Europe are down about 8% from 2024. “I’m expecting a business-as-usual summer, maybe a little less of a crowd on the busiest days as people try to travel on cheaper days of the week,” Berg said. However, a recent survey from Bankrate shows 54% of adults expect to spend less on travel, eating out or entertainment this year, compared to last year. Of those surveyed, 65% of Americans who are not traveling this summer say they can’t afford it and another 23% say they’re not interested. But United Airlines, which has a major hub at Newark, expects to serve more passengers this season. In June, July and August, United expects to fly nearly 50 million passengers, about a 3 million passenger uptick from last year’s summer. So far, the busiest US air travel day this year was April 17 with over 54,000 flights, according to the FAA. The FAA expects six more days of over 54,000 flights through the end of August. Be prepared While there are many things up in the air with travel this summer, experts say it’s important to follow a few simple tips to try to have the least amount of disruption. Flying direct will help alleviate the stress of missing a connection at other airports, Pawliszyn said. He also recommends flying in the morning and avoiding the weekend. “Until we stop hearing stories about Newark,” Abend said he would book New York-area flights through JFK or LaGuardia this summer. He also advised travelers to take a proactive stance on potential disruptions, keeping an eye on where the aircraft servicing their flight is coming from and what the weather is like there. If storms are likely to slow things down, passengers may want to change their flights. CNN’s Marnie Hunter contributed to this report.
Summer air travel could be a ‘recipe for frustration’
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Challenges Loom for US Summer Air Travel Amid Infrastructure Issues"
CNN
7.0
TruthLens AI Summary
The 2025 summer air travel season in the United States is anticipated to be fraught with challenges, following a tumultuous year for the aviation industry. This year began tragically with a midair collision in Washington that resulted in the loss of 67 lives, and reports of near misses between commercial jets have heightened public concern regarding air safety. Adding to the turmoil, Newark Liberty International Airport experienced significant operational disruptions due to air traffic control meltdowns, which were exacerbated by staffing shortages and technical failures. As the summer travel season kicks off with Memorial Day weekend, airlines like United Airlines are poised to handle record passenger volumes, with the FAA predicting the busiest summer in 15 years. However, industry experts caution that ongoing infrastructure issues and workforce shortages may lead to serious operational complications, resulting in potential travel disruptions for passengers throughout the summer months.
Despite the challenges, many travelers remain undeterred, with United Airlines expecting to serve nearly 50 million passengers during the summer, a notable increase from the previous year. Domestic airfare has seen a slight decrease, providing some relief to travelers, although a recent survey indicates that over half of adults plan to reduce their travel spending this year. Newark Airport, a primary hub for transatlantic flights, has raised concerns among passengers, who are advised to remain vigilant regarding their travel plans. Experts suggest flying direct, opting for morning flights, and avoiding weekends as strategies to mitigate potential disruptions. They also recommend closely monitoring flight statuses, especially during adverse weather conditions. While the infrastructure issues are concerning, experts like retired pilot Les Abend reassure travelers about safety protocols in place, indicating that while some delays are likely, the system remains safe overall. Travelers are encouraged to stay informed and proactive to navigate what could be a challenging summer travel landscape.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article provides a comprehensive look at the challenges facing air travel in the U.S. as the summer season approaches. It highlights a series of incidents and systemic failures that have raised concerns among travelers and industry experts alike. The tone suggests an impending sense of frustration for air travelers, particularly given the anticipated increase in passenger volume.
Impending Frustrations in Air Travel
The piece begins by detailing a tumultuous year for U.S. air travel that includes safety incidents and an air traffic control crisis. The mention of a tragic midair collision immediately sets a serious tone, emphasizing the stakes involved in air travel. By citing the increase in passengers projected by United Airlines and the Federal Aviation Administration's expectations of record travel, the article underscores a concern that operational inefficiencies may lead to significant disruptions.
Staffing and Infrastructure Issues
Experts predict that summer travel will be particularly problematic due to understaffing and existing infrastructure challenges. The article references the ongoing efforts by the Department of Transportation and the FAA to address these issues, but it also notes that a complete overhaul of the air traffic control system will take several years. This juxtaposition of immediate concerns against long-term solutions creates an atmosphere of uncertainty for travelers.
Creating Public Awareness
The article aims to raise awareness about the potential pitfalls of traveling during the summer months. By using expert quotes, it lends credibility to the narrative that summer disruptions are expected to be worse than usual. This aligns with a broader trend in media to hold industries accountable, particularly in sectors that affect public safety and convenience.
Possible Omissions
While the article effectively outlines the problems, there is a possibility that it downplays the efforts being made to improve air travel. By focusing heavily on the negative aspects, it may create a sense of hopelessness or fear among readers. The emphasis on potential disruptions might overshadow any progress being made in resolving these issues.
Trustworthiness of the Article
This analysis indicates that the information presented is rooted in observable trends and expert opinions, enhancing its reliability. However, the tone and focus could lead to an exaggerated perception of the situation. Readers might be left with a sense of impending doom rather than a balanced view of the current state of air travel.
Societal Impact and Economic Considerations
The article could influence public sentiment regarding air travel, potentially leading to decreased consumer confidence in airlines. This could affect travel-related stocks and the broader economy, particularly as summer travel is a significant revenue driver for airlines. Should disruptions occur as predicted, it may result in a ripple effect across various sectors including hospitality and tourism.
Community Reactions
Travelers, particularly those who are frequent flyers or have summer plans, are likely to resonate with the article’s concerns. It targets a broad demographic, including families planning vacations and business travelers, creating a shared sense of anxiety about upcoming travel experiences.
Market Influence
The issues raised could prompt a reaction in stock markets, particularly for airlines and travel-related companies. Investors may become wary of airlines that struggle with operational efficiency, leading to fluctuations in stock prices.
Geopolitical Context
While the article primarily focuses on domestic travel issues, it reflects broader themes of infrastructure and safety that resonate in various geopolitical discussions. The reliability of air travel is crucial not only for national security but also for global commerce.
The article does not explicitly indicate the use of AI in its writing. However, if AI tools were employed, they might have influenced the tone or structure, potentially emphasizing negative outcomes to engage readers more effectively. This could lead to a form of manipulation, as the narrative might be skewed toward fear rather than balanced reporting.
In summary, while the article raises valid concerns about summer air travel, its emphasis on potential disruptions and past failures may skew public perception towards anxiety and frustration. This focus could overshadow ongoing improvements within the industry, thus affecting the overall trust readers have in air travel during the busy summer season.