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?

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

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.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

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.

An operations center at Newark Liberty International Airport in Newark, New Jersey – David Dee Delgado/Reuters

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.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

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.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

“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.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

“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 plane taxis on the tarmac at Newark on May 11, 2025. Recent outages have disrupted operations at the busy hub. – Eduardo Munoz/Reuters

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.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

“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.

On a media call Friday, United said it is confident in its Newark operation for the summer. Since the problems began, the airline has trimmed over 35 round-trip flights from its Newark schedule. United and other airlines at Newark will have to make further cuts to operations, but they are still working through what that will look like.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

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.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

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.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com

Memorial Day 2025 Weekend Travel New Alert: The United States to witness A Record-Breaking Surge and Traffic Disruptions

As Memorial Day weekend 2025 approaches, the United States is witnessing an unprecedented surge in travel, with the American Automobile Association (AAA) projecting over 45.1 million Americans will journey at least 50 miles from home between Thursday, May 22, and Monday, May 26.

This figure surpasses the previous record set in 2005 and underscores the nation’s eagerness to embrace the unofficial start of summer.

Advertisement

Minnesota’s Memorial Day Travel Surge

In Minnesota, the holiday weekend is synonymous with trips to lakes, cabins, and parks. Jeff Mace’s family, for instance, made their first trip to Grand Marais in over a decade, emphasizing the importance of family time and nature retreats.

AAA representatives note that nearly 90% of travelers will drive, taking advantage of lower gas prices compared to the previous year. However, other travel-related costs have risen, yet this hasn’t deterred Minnesotans from prioritizing their holiday getaways.

Nationwide Travel Trends and Challenges

This Memorial Day weekend, several regions across the United States are expected to face significant traffic congestion as over 45 million Americans hit the road.

According to the American Automobile Association (AAA) and state transportation agencies, urban centers and popular vacation routes will see the worst delays.

In Minnesota, roads leading to northern destinations like Grand Marais, Duluth, and the Brainerd Lakes area are expected to be jammed, especially along I-35 and Highway 61. AAA projects peak congestion Monday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., with advice to depart before 2 p.m.

California will see heavy traffic in and around San Francisco, particularly on Interstate 80, Highway 101, and Interstate 580, worsened by the BottleRock Napa Valley music festival.

In Texas, traffic will be thick on Interstate 45 from Houston to Galveston and on I-35 toward the Hill Country. The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) warns of significant backups.

Colorado expects congestion on highways into Boulder for the Bolder Boulder race, while Utah travelers will face delays on I-15 and U.S. Highway 6 due to high recreational traffic.

Northeastern states are contending with flooding and road closures from a rare May nor’easter, especially in Massachusetts and Rhode Island, adding another layer of travel disruption.

Across the country, major metropolitan areas are bracing for significant traffic congestion.

In Texas, particularly around Houston, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) anticipates peak congestion on Interstate 45 on Friday, with continued heavy traffic through Saturday.

Travelers are advised to use DriveTexas.org for real-time road information.

Utah’s Department of Transportation warns of significant delays on I-15 and U.S. Highway 6, with up to 30-minute delays expected on Friday and up to 55-minute delays on Monday.

Air Travel and TSA Preparations

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is preparing for a busy Memorial Day weekend, expecting to screen about 18 million passengers and crew from May 22 to May 28. Travelers are reminded to have acceptable forms of identification, such as a REAL ID, for a smooth screening experience.

Weather-Related Disruptions

An uncommon May nor’easter struck New England just before Memorial Day weekend, bringing heavy rain, snowfall in higher elevations, and record-low high temperatures. Massachusetts and Rhode Island experienced significant rainfall, with Kingston, MA receiving over 7 inches in 24 hours. The storm caused localized flooding, stranded vehicles, and downed trees, leading to travel disruptions, including the suspension of ferry service in Lynn, MA due to rough seas.

Travel Tips for Memorial Day Weekend

Plan Ahead: Check real-time traffic updates and weather forecasts before embarking on your journey.

Check real-time traffic updates and weather forecasts before embarking on your journey. Avoid Peak Hours: To minimize delays, consider traveling during off-peak hours.

To minimize delays, consider traveling during off-peak hours. Stay Informed: Utilize resources like DriveTexas.org and local transportation websites for the latest information.

Utilize resources like DriveTexas.org and local transportation websites for the latest information. Prepare for Weather: Pack accordingly and be ready for sudden weather changes, especially in regions affected by the nor’easter.

Conclusion

Memorial Day weekend 2025 is set to be one of the busiest travel periods in recent history. While the enthusiasm for travel is evident, it’s crucial for travelers to remain vigilant and prepared for potential challenges, including weather disruptions and infrastructure-related delays.

For more information and updates:

AAA Travel Forecast

TSA Travel Tips

DriveTexas Road Information

National Weather Service Alerts

Advertisement

Memorial Day weekend, which kicks off the summer, is set to break a new travel record this year.

A massive 45.1 million Americans are set to travel at least 50 miles from their home during the long weekend, AAA announced.

Of the millions of Americans traveling, AAA predicts 3.61 million will be flying to their destinations. That’s a 2% increase from last year.

“While this Memorial Day weekend isn’t expected to set an air travel record (that was set back in 2005 with 3.64 million travelers), this year’s numbers are projected to surpass pre-pandemic levels by 12%,” states the AAA press release.

Travelers should arrive a minimum of two hours before their scheduled domestic flights and three hours before scheduled international flights, the TSA advised.

The AAA release said the most popular destinations are Chicago, Seattle, Orlando, Denver, and New York.

Those visiting the New York area may want to rethink which airport they are flying into amid recent air disruptions at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR).

4 A massive 45.1 million Americans are set to travel at least 50 miles from their home during the long weekend, AAA announced. Getty Images

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) instituted yet another ground delay at EWR on Monday, just one day after the previous delay, with flyers’ frustrations growing.

Gary Leff, a Texas-based travel industry expert and author of the blog “View From the Wing,” told Fox News Digital that passengers should avoid New York airports for connecting flights.

“If you’re connecting, it’s often a good idea to avoid New York airports. If you originate in New York, it really depends on where in the city you’re based,” he said.

4 People wait in line for a delayed flight at Newark International Airport on May 5, 2025, in Newark, New Jersey. Getty Images

Brandon Blewett, the Texas-based author of “How to Avoid Strangers on Airplanes,” told Fox News Digital that travelers going to and from New York City should look at other airports.

“I’d consider alternatives to EWR like LGA and JFK until the runway reopens and ATC staffing stabilizes,” said Blewett.

“It may be more of a headache in traffic, but it seems you’re less likely to be stranded for the time being.”

4 “While this Memorial Day weekend isn’t expected to set an air travel record (that was set back in 2005 with 3.64 million travelers), this year’s numbers are projected to surpass pre-pandemic levels by 12%,” states the AAA press release. James Keivom

On May 7, the REAL ID requirement took effect, requiring flyers to obtain the new identification with a star in the upper right corner in order to fly.

Flyers have expressed worries about possible delays during the security process if they, or fellow travelers, are unable to present the proper identification.

Those who do not have a compliant ID may receive additional screening, which would take more time.

4 Travelers should arrive a minimum of two hours before their scheduled domestic flights and three hours before scheduled international flights, the TSA advised. AP

A TSA spokesperson told Fox News Digital the agency continues to urge passengers to get REAL IDs or bring other acceptable forms of ID for travel.

“Summer travel is upon us, and there is still time to get a REAL ID,” said the spokesperson.

“Passengers who present a state-issued identification that is not REAL ID compliant at TSA checkpoints and who do not have another acceptable alternative form of ID will be notified of their non-compliance, may be directed to a separate area, and may receive additional screening,” the spokesperson added.

Memorial Day Mayhem with Flight Delays Skyrocket as Travel Chaos Explodes US, REAL ID Confusion, Newark Airport Shutdown, and Insurance Panic Worsen 2025 Summer Tourism

US Memorial Day mayhem is now officially underway as flight delays skyrocket and travel chaos explodes US skies. From coast to coast, Memorial Day mayhem is taking hold, with flight delays skyrocket warnings at every major airport. This isn’t a drill—travel chaos explodes US operations just as millions prepare to fly. The mix is toxic: REAL ID confusion, Newark Airport shutdown, and insurance panic are all surging as 2025 summer tourism collapses under pressure.

Again and again, US Memorial Day mayhem turns terminals into warzones. Security lines snake for hours. Flight delays skyrocket, and rebooking becomes a nightmare. Every hour, more travel chaos explodes US airports. And every minute, REAL ID confusion grows. Travelers miss flights. TSA lines stall. And with no end in sight, 2025 summer tourism faces its most turbulent takeoff ever.

Advertisement

Meanwhile, Newark Airport shutdown has forced carriers like United to cancel critical connections. The Newark Airport shutdown alone is grounding thousands daily. As travel chaos explodes US, delays cascade from New York to LAX. On top of it all, insurance panic spreads like wildfire. Squaremouth reports a record surge in coverage searches, as insurance panic grips travelers desperate for protection.

This isn’t just Memorial Day mayhem—this is a full-scale aviation crisis. As flight delays skyrocket, as travel chaos explodes US, and as REAL ID confusion, Newark Airport shutdown, and insurance panic accelerate, the outlook for 2025 summer tourism has gone from bright to broken.

Travelers across the United States are entering Memorial Day weekend under a cloud of mounting uncertainty. Flight delays and disruptions have hit record-breaking levels, with chaos expected to worsen as the 2025 summer travel season takes off.

Technology breakdowns, airline staffing shortages, and air traffic control failures are combining into a perfect storm. The result? Cancellations, missed connections, and hours-long waits. Across airports nationwide, passengers are feeling the squeeze.

This isn’t just a rough patch—this is a full-blown travel emergency.

Newark Airport Meltdown Sparks Nationwide Ripple

This week, Newark Liberty International Airport plunged into disarray. A key runway closure triggered widespread cancellations. United Airlines, the airport’s largest operator, slashed 10% of its flights, grounding thousands of travelers.

The domino effect has been swift and brutal. European-bound connections were rerouted. Domestic links were severed. And the disruption is expected to stretch well into June.

Travelers heading through Newark are now warned to arrive three hours early, as delays at TSA checkpoints compound the crisis.

REAL ID Adds Another Layer of Airport Confusion

Meanwhile, the implementation of REAL ID requirements has added a fresh wave of chaos. With the final enforcement deadline approaching, confusion has led to longer TSA lines, rejected IDs, and unexpected travel disruptions.

Some passengers have been caught off guard by the new rules. Others simply don’t know whether their license qualifies. As a result, the Transportation Security Administration is now advising all travelers to arrive at airports three hours before departure, even for domestic flights.

Airports in New York, Florida, Texas, and California are reporting surging congestion as frustrated passengers clog check-in counters and ID checkpoints.

Traveler Anxiety Hits All-Time High

A new report from Squaremouth, a leading travel insurance comparison site, reveals a startling trend:

48% of Memorial Day travelers say flight delays or cancellations are their top concern.

That figure marks a steep rise from just 36% last summer, underscoring just how deeply this crisis has shaken traveler confidence.

As delays dominate headlines and stranded passenger videos flood social media, Americans are rethinking everything—from departure times to airport choice to travel protection.

Delay Insurance Searches Surge 55% Year-Over-Year

With anxiety mounting, travelers are taking no chances. Squaremouth reports a 55% increase in Memorial Day travel insurance searches tied specifically to flight delay coverage.

People want protection. They want backup. They want peace of mind.

This new wave of interest reflects a dramatic shift in consumer behavior. Instead of focusing on trip cancellation or health coverage, more travelers are turning their attention to delay reimbursement.

Travel delay insurance can cover meals, hotel stays, and rebooking costs. And in today’s volatile climate, that kind of coverage is becoming essential.

How to Choose the Right Delay Coverage

But not all insurance is created equal. Experts stress that travelers need to examine policy details carefully.

The best delay coverage should include:

Reimbursement for delays after just 3 hours

Coverage for common carrier delays , not just weather or emergencies

, not just weather or emergencies Protection for missed connections after a short wait window

Many basic travel insurance policies offer delay protection—but those small differences can make or break your travel experience.

Summer Forecast: More Delays Ahead

Unfortunately, the Memorial Day chaos is likely just the beginning. Industry insiders warn that staffing shortages, aging infrastructure, and ongoing air traffic control struggles will continue to plague airlines through the summer.

As travel rebounds to pre-pandemic highs, airlines are stretched thin. Pilots are retiring faster than they can be replaced. Ground crews are overwhelmed. And automation failures have exposed serious vulnerabilities in the aviation tech ecosystem.

If you’re flying in June, July, or August, expect turbulence—on the ground, not just in the air.

What Travelers Can Do Now

If you’re preparing to fly this Memorial Day weekend or anytime this summer, there are several ways to reduce your risk:

Arrive early. Three hours is the new standard, not the exception.

Three hours is the new standard, not the exception. Buy delay-specific insurance. Look for comprehensive plans that cover costs even after minor delays.

Look for comprehensive plans that cover costs even after minor delays. Fly early in the day. Morning flights are less prone to compounding delays.

Morning flights are less prone to compounding delays. Avoid tightly timed connections. Give yourself buffer windows, especially through major hubs.

Give yourself buffer windows, especially through major hubs. Use airlines with flexible change policies. Some carriers offer same-day rebooking at no charge.

The Stakes Are High for the Travel Industry

This Memorial Day is not just a test for passengers—it’s a trial by fire for airlines, airports, and federal agencies. How they manage this weekend could define public trust heading into the summer season.

If delays persist, airlines could face increased refund demands, loyalty loss, and even regulatory backlash. Meanwhile, frustrated travelers may shift to alternative modes of travel—trains, road trips, or domestic-only vacations.

The aviation industry is at a crossroads. This summer could either be a season of redemption—or disaster.

Advertisement