Is my flight delayed? Here are Sunday's flight delay, cancellation numbers

Zach Wichter, Kathleen Wong and Josh Rivera, USA TODAY

Updated December 1, 2024 at 2:06 p.m.·5 min read

As millions of Americans hit the road or take to the skies post-Thanksgiving, early reports are signaling little travel disruptions nationwide.

Only 67 U.S. flights have been canceled by 2 p.m. ET, but another 2,954 were delayed, according to flight-tracking website FlightAware. It is worth mentioning that Saturday saw 6,357 flight delays, while today is expected to be the busiest travel day of the year.

Airlines have urged travelers to check flight statuses before heading to the airport, with a few issuing waivers for changes or cancellations due to weather concerns.

Stay with USA TODAY for live updates on delays, cancellations, and tips to make your post-Thanksgiving travel as smooth as possible. Check back regularly for the latest developments to avoid surprises on your journey.

TSA reminders

TSA projects today as one of the busiest travel days.

"Many members of the TSA workforce will be on duty throughout Thanksgiving Day and week and I am immensely grateful for their selfless dedication and professionalism," Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas said in a news release. "I encourage travelers to plan ahead, follow TSA’s travel tips, and take advantage of programs like TSA PreCheck – simple steps that will make everyone’s journey smoother, our skies safer, and TSA’s job easier."

As a reminder:

TSA advises passengers to start packing with an empty bag, to reduce the likelyhood of bringing prohibited items through a checkpoint.
All liquids, gels and aerosols must be 3.4 ounces or less when packed in a carry-on bag.
Certain foods, such as gravy, cranberry sauce, wine, jam and preserves – which are considered liquids or gels – must be packed in a checked bag if they exceed 3.4 ounces.

"If you can spill it, spray it, spread it, pump it or pour it, it is a liquid, aerosol or gel and must be packed in your checked bag if it exceeds the 3.4-ounce limit," TSA said. "As always, passengers may bring solid foods such as cakes and other baked goods through the checkpoint."

And yes, breast milk is an exception to the liquids rule.

Travelers wait in line at Chicago O'Hare International Airport in Chicago, Illinois, on Nov. 27, 2024.

What day will be the least busiest one to fly?

The busiest day for air travel will be today, while the least busy day was Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 28; Black Friday, Nov. 29; and this coming Tuesday, Dec. 3.

What is the DOT Dashboard?

The Department of Transportation created a dashboard for travelers to have easy access to information about services that U.S. airlines provide in the case of cancellations or delays

Click here to access the DOT Cancellation and Delay Dashboard.

A new rule from the DOT that went into effect at the end of October requires airlines to refund passengers if their flight is significantly delayed for reasons within the carrier's control and also makes airlines more responsible for following their own customer commitments in those cases.

What is a significant delay?

The DOT defines a significant delay as a departure or arrival that is three hours late or more for a domestic flight, or six hours late or more for an international flight.

What is a controllable delay?

According to the DOT a controllable delay is one caused by the airline itself. Controllable reasons include maintenance or crew problems, cabin cleaning, baggage loading and fueling. Things like weather or air traffic control flow programs do not count against the airline.

What am I entitled to if my flight is delayed?

If your flight is delayed significantly for a reason in the airline's control, you are entitled to a refund if you choose not to travel. If you decide to stick it out, you may still be entitled to some compensation or accommodation, including rebooking on another flight or airline at no cost, meal and lodging vouchers for qualifying delays and other benefits.

No U.S. airlines currently offer cash compensation for delays, but the big four (American, Delta, Southwest and United) all offer hotel and ground transportation vouchers for overnight delays.

The DOT has a dashboard that outlines all major U.S. airlines' policies.

What to do if your flight is delayed

Your best bet is to know your airline's policies before your trip and be your own advocate. Get in touch with the airline however you can, whether it's through the app, through social media, by phone or at the airport help desk if you're already on your way. It's usually a good idea to have some alternative flights in mind when you speak to an agent, and be sure to ask for any accommodation or refunds you may be entitled to if you plan to take advantage of those policies.

What is a controllable cancellation?

According to the DOT, a controllable cancellation is one caused by the airline itself. Controllable reasons include maintenance or crew problems, cabin cleaning, baggage loading and fueling. Things like weather or air traffic control flow programs do not count against the airline.

What am I entitled to if my flight is canceled?

If your flight is canceled for any reason, whether it's controllable by the airline or not, you are entitled to a refund if you choose not to travel. If you decide to stick it out, you may still be entitled to some compensation or accommodation, including rebooking on another flight or airline at no cost, meal and lodging vouchers for qualifying delays and other benefits.

No U.S. airlines currently offer cash compensation for delays, but the big four (American, Delta, Southwest and United) all offer hotel and ground transportation vouchers for overnight stays as a result of a flight cancellation.