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Record Holiday Travel Expected Amid Rising Airfares

12/24/2025

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Summary

Story summary

U.S. airlines expect a record holiday travel season, with 2.9 million daily passengers from December 19 to January 5, up 1.5% from 2024.
Domestic round-trip airfares are expected to average $900, up 7%.
New York and New Jersey airports project 5.7 million travelers.
Chicago airports expect nearly 4.8 million.
Economic uncertainty and a government shutdown have led to staffing shortages and temporary flight cuts.

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Story summary

U.S. airlines expect a record holiday travel season, with 2.9 million daily passengers from December 19 to January 5, up 1.5% from 2024.
Domestic round-trip airfares are expected to average $900, up 7%.
New York and New Jersey airports project 5.7 million travelers.
Chicago airports expect nearly 4.8 million.
Economic uncertainty and a government shutdown have led to staffing shortages and temporary flight cuts.