If You Thought Last Year’s Summer Travel Season Was Crazy
In this segment for Compass Media Networks Radio, business analyst and Seven Stage Advisors president Carl Gould unpacks the challenges and realities facing U.S. air travel during the summer of 2024.
Carl explains that while travel demand has rebounded sharply post-pandemic—with projections of over 5% growth during peak periods like July 4th—the aviation industry remains critically understaffed. Airlines laid off or incentivized early retirement for many pilots and crew during COVID-19 and are now scrambling to backfill roles amid surging demand.
Key takeaways from Carl include:
-
Airlines are short on pilots and staff, not planes. This limits route flexibility and increases the chance of major disruptions.
-
Flight cancellations may no longer be offset by alternate routes or crews. When it’s canceled, it’s canceled.
-
Airport staffing shortages extend across TSA, ground crew, and service teams, creating bottlenecks from check-in to baggage claim.
-
Smart traveler tips: Fly early or late in the day, avoid checking bags, and enroll in expedited services like TSA PreCheck and CLEAR to minimize delays.
-
Recovery timeline: Carl projects it could take up to five years for the industry to regain full staffing and meet rising demand.
As airlines fast-track new pilot training and ramp up hiring, travelers should expect continued strain and plan accordingly.
