LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – Despite boasting the busiest year end travel season to date with an estimated 7.5 million airborne travelers, some airlines are struggling with takeoff. 

Southwest Airlines cancelled hundreds of Christmas flights.

Southwest Airlines cancelled hundreds of flights over Christmas weekend, though the company is projecting to make a “full recovery” before the post-holiday travel rush begins. 

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 “We have proactively canceled 101 flights for Monday (less than 1% of our more than 4300 flights systemwide). We do anticipate a handful of additional cancellations [Monday] as we work toward a full recovery ahead of Tuesday’s operation. We have all-hands on deck as our Employees are working to quickly and safely take care of our Customers during this busy holiday travel season, and we apologize for any inconvenience to those whose travel was affected over the last two days,” said Southwest Airlines in a statement. 

2022 cancellations still on traveler’s minds.

The Texas based airline had far worse holiday cancellations last December when it represented the highest percentage of flight cancellations among the several thousand flights called off during the holiday season. 

Only this week, roughly a year after the airline canceled almost 17,000 flights leaving many customers stranded, has it been ordered to pay a $140 million settlement to customers. 

“We have spent the past year acutely focused on efforts to enhance the Customer Experience with significant investments and initiatives that accelerate operational resiliency, enhance cross-team collaboration and bolster overall preparedness for winter operations,” said Bob Jordan, Southwest Airlines President & Chief Executive Officer. “Our commitment to Customers has been central to our success across our 52-year history and has helped us become one of the world’s most admired and trusted airlines.”

How many are taking a road trip?

The American Automobile Association (AAA) has projected 115.2 million travelers will travel 50 miles or more from home over the year-end holiday travel period from Saturday, December 23 to Monday, January 1. This marks a small uptick, a 2.2% increase over last year and the second highest since 2000. 

“This year-end forecast mirrors what we’ve been observing throughout 2023,” said Mark Schieldrop, Senior Spokesperson for AAA Northeast. “More Americans are investing in travel to make memories with loved ones and experience new places.”

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In addition, AAA highlighted that Dec. 23 and Dec. 28 are expected to be the busiest days on the road, also anticipating a busier than normal Dec. 30 travel day ahead of New Years. 

A recent study shared by the Bureau of Transportation Statistics shows that airlines reported a third-quarter 2023 after tax net gain of $1.6 billion, while one year earlier recorded $2.4 after tax net gain resulting in a $0.8 billion decrease in profits.