Summer Air Travel in the US Could Be a ‘Recipe for Frustration’

After a turbulent year marked by safety concerns, tragic accidents, and air traffic control failures, summer air travel in the US is shaping up to be challenging. Travelers should brace themselves for potential delays and disruptions as the busy season kicks off.

A Tough Start to 2025 for US Air Travel

The year began with a heartbreaking midair collision in Washington that claimed 67 lives, shining a spotlight on safety risks in the skies. Near-miss incidents and pilots performing urgent go-arounds to avoid crashes have heightened anxiety nationwide. To make matters worse, Newark Liberty International Airport has faced weeks of air traffic control meltdowns caused by staffing shortages and technology failures, triggering hours-long delays for passengers.

What Does This Mean for Summer Travelers?

Memorial Day weekend signals the start of the peak summer travel season, with United Airlines alone expecting to fly 300,000 more passengers than last year. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is gearing up for its busiest summer in 15 years, especially toward late July.

While the FAA says it is prepared for the influx, experts warn that ongoing understaffing and fragile infrastructure could still cause headaches for travelers.

Why Summer Travel Often Means Delays

Hayley Berg, lead economist at travel company Hopper, explains that disruptions “are always worse in the summer” because of increased passenger volume and lingering staff shortages at airports and air traffic control centers.

“Airports are busier, and while airlines are flying near full capacity, staffing levels haven’t fully recovered,” Berg said.

Newark Airport’s Ongoing Struggles

Newark has been hit hardest by these problems, suffering four separate technology outages since late April. Its air traffic control tower is stretched thin, and runway construction has forced the FAA to cut flights by about 25% compared to April levels. Some flights will resume after construction ends mid-June, but the airport won’t return to full capacity anytime soon.

Retired American Airlines captain Les Abend warns that issues like Newark’s can ripple out, creating delays across other airports. He points out the problem isn’t the new air traffic control technology itself but the supporting infrastructure and data systems that are failing.

What Travelers Can Expect This Summer

Add in chronic air traffic controller shortages, the long training time for new controllers, and typical summer storms, and the result is a “recipe for frustration,” Abend says.

However, he reassures passengers that the US air travel system remains safe. “If you lose contact with air traffic control, pilots have protocols to handle the situation,” he explained.

Abend doesn’t foresee widespread chaos this summer. “Most of the time, you’ll get to where you’re going on schedule,” he said.

Anxiety at Newark — and How to Prepare

Newark’s reputation as a major international gateway means many transatlantic travelers are watching its struggles nervously. Tomasz Pawliszyn, CEO of AirHelp, says the media attention has exposed long-standing issues, making travelers more cautious about flying through Newark.

Despite these concerns, most people are still choosing to travel this summer.

A Mixed Bag for Airfares and Travel Plans

Domestic airfare is about 3% cheaper than last year, with round-trip tickets averaging $265—the lowest since 2021. Flights to Europe are down roughly 8% from 2024, making summer travel attractive despite the challenges.

Tips to Beat the Summer Travel Hassles

Experts advise travelers to plan carefully:

• Fly direct to avoid missing connections.
• Choose morning flights and avoid busy weekend travel.
• Consider flying through JFK or LaGuardia instead of Newark for New York-area trips.
• Stay alert for potential delays by tracking where your plane is coming from and checking weather conditions at departure points.
• If bad weather is expected, think about changing your flight early to avoid getting stuck.

Bottom Line

Summer 2025 air travel in the US may bring its share of frustrations, but with preparation and patience, most travelers should reach their destinations safely. The FAA and airlines are working on long-term fixes, but for now, packing extra time and flexibility into travel plans is the best strategy.