All eyes on airlines as July Fourth holiday weekend nears

Jun 30, 2022, 10:08 AM | Updated: Jul 1, 2022, 8:55 am
Off-duty Delta Air Lines pilots picket at Salt Lake City International Airport Thursday, June 30, 2...

Off-duty Delta Air Lines pilots picket at Salt Lake City International Airport Thursday, June 30, 2022, in Salt Lake City. Airlines that have stumbled badly over the last two holidays face their biggest test yet of whether they can handle big crowds when July Fourth travelers mob the nation's airports this weekend. Problems were popping up well before the weekend, with some disruptions caused by thunderstorms that slowed air traffic.(AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)

(AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)

DALLAS (AP) — Airlines that have stumbled badly over the last two holidays face their biggest test yet of whether they can handle big crowds when July Fourth travelers mob the nation’s airports this weekend.

Problems were popping up well before the weekend, with some disruptions caused by thunderstorms that slowed air traffic.

American Airlines canceled 8% of its flights on Tuesday and Wednesday, and United Airlines scrubbed 4% of its schedule both days, according to FlightAware.

Holiday revelers planning to drive face their own set of challenges, including high gasoline prices. The nationwide average has eased since hitting a record $5.02 in mid-June to $4.86 a gallon on Thursday, according to AAA, which expects prices to continue to ease because of rising gasoline inventories.

Americans are driving a bit less. Gas demand last week was down about 3% from the same week last June, according to government figures. In a Quinnipiac University poll in June, 40% of those surveyed said gas prices have caused them to change their summer vacation plans.

Air travel in the U.S. is almost back to pre-pandemic levels. Since last Saturday, an average of nearly 2.3 million people a day have gone through airport checkpoints — down just 8% from the same days in 2019. If that trend continues through weekend, records will be set for flying in the pandemic era.

Airlines may not have enough planes and flights to carry all of them, especially if there are cancellations due to weather, crew shortages or any other reason.

“Airlines are learning the hard way that there is a severe price for over-optimism,” said Joseph Schwieterman, a transportation expert at DePaul University. “They are on the edge of a cliff this holiday.”

Schwieterman calculates that airlines have little cushion between the number of travelers expected to fly this weekend and the flights they plan to operate — if all goes well. Any disruptions could cause chaos because planes are booked full — there will be no empty seats on later flights to accommodate stranded travelers.

Airlines have been caught short-staffed as they try to hire thousands of workers, including pilots, to replace those who they encouraged to quit when the pandemic caused air travel to plummet.

Many of them, including Delta, Southwest and JetBlue, have trimmed summer schedules to reduce stress on their operations. They are using larger planes on average to carry more passengers with the same number of pilots. Those steps haven’t been enough so far this summer.

Delta Air Lines took the unusual step this week of warning travelers that there could be problems over the holiday weekend.

The Atlanta-based airline said it expects the biggest crowds since 2019, and this will create “some operational challenges.” It is allowing passengers booked on flights between Friday and the Monday holiday to change their schedule at no cost, even if the new flight comes with a higher fare.

“Delta people are working around the clock to rebuild Delta’s operation while making it as resilient as possible to minimize the ripple effect of disruptions,” the airline said.

Delta had by far the most canceled flights of any U.S. airline over the Memorial Day holiday stretch, when U.S. carriers scrubbed nearly 2,800 flights, and again last weekend, when it canceled 7% of its flights, according to FlightAware.

The airlines are increasingly trying to blame delays on understaffing at the Federal Aviation Administration, which manages the nation’s airspace and hires air traffic controllers.

“This year versus previous years, the biggest issue has been air traffic control,” said Barry Biffle, the CEO of Frontier Airlines. “We’ve made a lot of steps to avoid the Jacksonville center in our scheduling, and we have reduced some flying to accommodate that.”

The FAA has a major facility in Jacksonville, Florida, that handles many flights up and down the East Coast. After a meeting with airline representatives in May, the FAA promised to increase staffing at the center.

Delta CEO Ed Bastian similarly blamed the FAA during an online meeting with employees Wednesday, trade publication Airline Weekly reported. Delta declined to comment.

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg pushed back earlier this week when the head of the trade group Airlines for America blamed the FAA for delays.

“The majority of cancellations and the majority of delays have nothing to do with air traffic control staffing,” Buttigieg told “NBC Nightly News.”

Helane Becker, an airline analyst for investment firm Cowen, said there are many reasons for the disruptions including weather, FAA ground stops that last too long, and flight crews hitting their legal limit of working hours in a day. The airlines “seem to fail” when it comes down to daily operations, and the FAA didn’t train enough new air traffic controllers — a process that can take up to four years — to offset retirements.

“We expect it to be a long, tiresome summer for everyone,” she said.

The loudest lawmakers mostly seem to blame the airlines for leaving passengers stranded. Some point out that Congress gave the industry $54 billion in pandemic relief.

Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., urged Buttigieg to require airlines to issue refunds for delays longer than an hour and fine them for delays longer than two hours and for scheduling flights that they can’t staff. Sanders accused airlines of stranding passengers while charging “outrageously high prices.”

Buttigieg has threatened fines if airlines don’t fix their operations.

Sens. Edward Markey, D-Mass., and Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., asked 10 airline CEOs this week to “take immediate action” to reduce travel disruptions. The senators demanded information about how each airline decides which flights to cancel and the number of consumer refunds requested and granted.

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              Off-duty Delta Air Lines pilots picket at Salt Lake City International Airport Thursday, June 30, 2022, in Salt Lake City.  Airlines that have stumbled badly over the last two holidays face their biggest test yet of whether they can handle big crowds when July Fourth travelers mob the nation's airports this weekend. Problems were popping up well before the weekend, with some disruptions caused by thunderstorms that slowed air traffic.(AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
            
              Off-duty Delta Air Lines pilots picket at Salt Lake City International Airport Thursday, June 30, 2022, in Salt Lake City. Airlines that have stumbled badly over the last two holidays face their biggest test yet of whether they can handle big crowds when July Fourth travelers mob the nation's airports this weekend. Problems were popping up well before the weekend, with some disruptions caused by thunderstorms that slowed air traffic. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
            
              A traveler walks pass Delta Air Lines pilots picketing at Salt Lake City International Airport Thursday, June 30, 2022, in Salt Lake City.  Airlines that have stumbled badly over the last two holidays face their biggest test yet of whether they can handle big crowds when July Fourth travelers mob the nation's airports this weekend.
Problems were popping up well before the weekend, with some disruptions caused by thunderstorms that slowed air traffic. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
            
              Off-duty Delta Air Lines pilots picket at Salt Lake City International Airport Thursday, June 30, 2022, in Salt Lake City. Airlines that have stumbled badly over the last two holidays face their biggest test yet of whether they can handle big crowds when July Fourth travelers mob the nation's airports this weekend. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
            
              Off-duty Delta Air Lines pilots picket at Salt Lake City International Airport Thursday, June 30, 2022, in Salt Lake City. Airlines that have stumbled badly over the last two holidays face their biggest test yet of whether they can handle big crowds when July Fourth travelers mob the nation's airports this weekend.
Problems were popping up well before the weekend, with some disruptions caused by thunderstorms that slowed air traffic. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
            
              Off-duty Delta Air Lines pilots picket at Salt Lake City International Airport Thursday, June 30, 2022, in Salt Lake City.  Airlines that have stumbled badly over the last two holidays face their biggest test yet of whether they can handle big crowds when July Fourth travelers mob the nation's airports this weekend.
Problems were popping up well before the weekend, with some disruptions caused by thunderstorms that slowed air traffic. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
            
              Off-duty Delta Air Lines pilots picket at Salt Lake City International Airport, Thursday, June 30, 2022, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
            
              A woman checks her credit cards at a gas station in Palatine, Ill., Thursday, June 30, 2022.in Palatine, Ill., Thursday, June 30, 2022. U.S consumers have so far defied higher prices for gas, food, and rent and have been spending more in 2022, providing crucial support to the economy. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
            
              A woman checks her credit cards at a gas station in Palatine, Ill., Thursday, June 30, 2022.in Palatine, Ill., Thursday, June 30, 2022. U.S consumers have so far defied higher prices for gas, food, and rent and have been spending more in 2022, providing crucial support to the economy. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
            
              Travelers wait to board a flight to Chicago at Hartsfield-Atlanta International Airport on Thursday, June 30, 2022 in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Jay Reeves)
            
              Travelers wait to board a flight to Chicago at Hartsfield-Atlanta International Airport on Thursday, June 30, 2022 in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Jay Reeves)
            
              Off-duty Delta Air Lines pilots picket at Salt Lake City International Airport Thursday, June 30, 2022, in Salt Lake City.  Airlines that have stumbled badly over the last two holidays face their biggest test yet of whether they can handle big crowds when July Fourth travelers mob the nation's airports this weekend. Problems were popping up well before the weekend, with some disruptions caused by thunderstorms that slowed air traffic.(AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
            
              Off-duty Delta Air Lines pilots picket at Salt Lake City International Airport Thursday, June 30, 2022, in Salt Lake City. Airlines that have stumbled badly over the last two holidays face their biggest test yet of whether they can handle big crowds when July Fourth travelers mob the nation's airports this weekend. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
            
              Off-duty Delta Air Lines pilots picket at Salt Lake City International Airport Thursday, June 30, 2022, in Salt Lake City. Airlines that have stumbled badly over the last two holidays face their biggest test yet of whether they can handle big crowds when July Fourth travelers mob the nation's airports this weekend.
Problems were popping up well before the weekend, with some disruptions caused by thunderstorms that slowed air traffic. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
            
              Off-duty Delta Air Lines pilots picket at Salt Lake City International Airport Thursday, June 30, 2022, in Salt Lake City.  Airlines that have stumbled badly over the last two holidays face their biggest test yet of whether they can handle big crowds when July Fourth travelers mob the nation's airports this weekend.
Problems were popping up well before the weekend, with some disruptions caused by thunderstorms that slowed air traffic. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
            
              Off-duty Delta Air Lines pilots picket at Salt Lake City International Airport Thursday, June 30, 2022, in Salt Lake City.  Airlines that have stumbled badly over the last two holidays face their biggest test yet of whether they can handle big crowds when July Fourth travelers mob the nation's airports this weekend.
Problems were popping up well before the weekend, with some disruptions caused by thunderstorms that slowed air traffic. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
            
              Off-duty Delta Air Lines pilots picket at Salt Lake City International Airport, Thursday, June 30, 2022, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
            
              A customer holds a credit card at the pay-at-the-pump gasoline pump in Rolling Meadow, Ill., Thursday, June 30, 2022. U.S consumers have so far defied higher prices for gas, food, and rent and have been spending more in 2022, providing crucial support to the economy. The Wall Street Journal reports that Visa and Mastercard have raised the amount a gas station can hold up to $175 on credit or debit card at the pump. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
            
              Travelers wait to board a flight to Chicago at Hartsfield-Atlanta International Airport on Thursday, June 30, 2022 in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Jay Reeves)
            
              Off-duty Delta Air Lines pilots picket at Salt Lake City International Airport Thursday, June 30, 2022, in Salt Lake City.  Airlines that have stumbled badly over the last two holidays face their biggest test yet of whether they can handle big crowds when July Fourth travelers mob the nation's airports this weekend. Problems were popping up well before the weekend, with some disruptions caused by thunderstorms that slowed air traffic.(AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
            
              Off-duty Delta Air Lines pilots picket at Salt Lake City International Airport Thursday, June 30, 2022, in Salt Lake City. Airlines that have stumbled badly over the last two holidays face their biggest test yet of whether they can handle big crowds when July Fourth travelers mob the nation's airports this weekend. Problems were popping up well before the weekend, with some disruptions caused by thunderstorms that slowed air traffic. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
            
              A traveler walks pass Delta Air Lines pilots picketing at Salt Lake City International Airport Thursday, June 30, 2022, in Salt Lake City.  Airlines that have stumbled badly over the last two holidays face their biggest test yet of whether they can handle big crowds when July Fourth travelers mob the nation's airports this weekend.
Problems were popping up well before the weekend, with some disruptions caused by thunderstorms that slowed air traffic. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
            
              Off-duty Delta Air Lines pilots picket at Salt Lake City International Airport Thursday, June 30, 2022, in Salt Lake City. Airlines that have stumbled badly over the last two holidays face their biggest test yet of whether they can handle big crowds when July Fourth travelers mob the nation's airports this weekend. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
            
              Off-duty Delta Air Lines pilots picket at Salt Lake City International Airport Thursday, June 30, 2022, in Salt Lake City. Airlines that have stumbled badly over the last two holidays face their biggest test yet of whether they can handle big crowds when July Fourth travelers mob the nation's airports this weekend.
Problems were popping up well before the weekend, with some disruptions caused by thunderstorms that slowed air traffic. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
            
              Off-duty Delta Air Lines pilots picket at Salt Lake City International Airport Thursday, June 30, 2022, in Salt Lake City.  Airlines that have stumbled badly over the last two holidays face their biggest test yet of whether they can handle big crowds when July Fourth travelers mob the nation's airports this weekend.
Problems were popping up well before the weekend, with some disruptions caused by thunderstorms that slowed air traffic. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
            
              Off-duty Delta Air Lines pilots picket at Salt Lake City International Airport Thursday, June 30, 2022, in Salt Lake City.  Airlines that have stumbled badly over the last two holidays face their biggest test yet of whether they can handle big crowds when July Fourth travelers mob the nation's airports this weekend.
Problems were popping up well before the weekend, with some disruptions caused by thunderstorms that slowed air traffic. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
            
              A woman checks her credit cards at a gas station in Palatine, Ill., Thursday, June 30, 2022.in Palatine, Ill., Thursday, June 30, 2022. U.S consumers have so far defied higher prices for gas, food, and rent and have been spending more in 2022, providing crucial support to the economy. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
            
              A customer holds a credit card at the pay-at-the-pump gasoline pump in Rolling Meadow, Ill., Thursday, June 30, 2022. U.S consumers have so far defied higher prices for gas, food, and rent and have been spending more in 2022, providing crucial support to the economy. The Wall Street Journal reports that Visa and Mastercard have raised the amount a gas station can hold up to $175 on credit or debit card at the pump. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
            
              Off-duty Delta Air Lines pilots picket at Salt Lake City International Airport Thursday, June 30, 2022, in Salt Lake City.  Airlines that have stumbled badly over the last two holidays face their biggest test yet of whether they can handle big crowds when July Fourth travelers mob the nation's airports this weekend.
Problems were popping up well before the weekend, with some disruptions caused by thunderstorms that slowed air traffic. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
            
              Off-duty Delta Air Lines pilots picket at Salt Lake City International Airport, Thursday, June 30, 2022, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
            
              Travelers wait to board a flight to Chicago at Hartsfield-Atlanta International Airport on Thursday, June 30, 2022 in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Jay Reeves)
            
              Off-duty Delta Air Lines pilots picket at Salt Lake City International Airport Thursday, June 30, 2022, in Salt Lake City.  Airlines that have stumbled badly over the last two holidays face their biggest test yet of whether they can handle big crowds when July Fourth travelers mob the nation's airports this weekend. Problems were popping up well before the weekend, with some disruptions caused by thunderstorms that slowed air traffic.(AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
            
              Off-duty Delta Air Lines pilots picket at Salt Lake City International Airport Thursday, June 30, 2022, in Salt Lake City. Airlines that have stumbled badly over the last two holidays face their biggest test yet of whether they can handle big crowds when July Fourth travelers mob the nation's airports this weekend. Problems were popping up well before the weekend, with some disruptions caused by thunderstorms that slowed air traffic. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
            
              A traveler walks pass Delta Air Lines pilots picketing at Salt Lake City International Airport Thursday, June 30, 2022, in Salt Lake City.  Airlines that have stumbled badly over the last two holidays face their biggest test yet of whether they can handle big crowds when July Fourth travelers mob the nation's airports this weekend.
Problems were popping up well before the weekend, with some disruptions caused by thunderstorms that slowed air traffic. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
            
              Off-duty Delta Air Lines pilots picket at Salt Lake City International Airport Thursday, June 30, 2022, in Salt Lake City. Airlines that have stumbled badly over the last two holidays face their biggest test yet of whether they can handle big crowds when July Fourth travelers mob the nation's airports this weekend. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
            
              Off-duty Delta Air Lines pilots picket at Salt Lake City International Airport Thursday, June 30, 2022, in Salt Lake City. Airlines that have stumbled badly over the last two holidays face their biggest test yet of whether they can handle big crowds when July Fourth travelers mob the nation's airports this weekend.
Problems were popping up well before the weekend, with some disruptions caused by thunderstorms that slowed air traffic. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
            
              Off-duty Delta Air Lines pilots picket at Salt Lake City International Airport Thursday, June 30, 2022, in Salt Lake City.  Airlines that have stumbled badly over the last two holidays face their biggest test yet of whether they can handle big crowds when July Fourth travelers mob the nation's airports this weekend.
Problems were popping up well before the weekend, with some disruptions caused by thunderstorms that slowed air traffic. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
            
              Off-duty Delta Air Lines pilots picket at Salt Lake City International Airport Thursday, June 30, 2022, in Salt Lake City.  Airlines that have stumbled badly over the last two holidays face their biggest test yet of whether they can handle big crowds when July Fourth travelers mob the nation's airports this weekend.
Problems were popping up well before the weekend, with some disruptions caused by thunderstorms that slowed air traffic. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
            
              Off-duty Delta Air Lines pilots picket at Salt Lake City International Airport, Thursday, June 30, 2022, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
            
              A woman checks her credit cards at a gas station in Palatine, Ill., Thursday, June 30, 2022.in Palatine, Ill., Thursday, June 30, 2022. U.S consumers have so far defied higher prices for gas, food, and rent and have been spending more in 2022, providing crucial support to the economy. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
            
              A customer holds a credit card at the pay-at-the-pump gasoline pump in Rolling Meadow, Ill., Thursday, June 30, 2022. U.S consumers have so far defied higher prices for gas, food, and rent and have been spending more in 2022, providing crucial support to the economy. The Wall Street Journal reports that Visa and Mastercard have raised the amount a gas station can hold up to $175 on credit or debit card at the pump. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
            
              Travelers wait to board a flight to Chicago at Hartsfield-Atlanta International Airport on Thursday, June 30, 2022 in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Jay Reeves)
            
              Off-duty Delta Air Lines pilots picket at Salt Lake City International Airport Thursday, June 30, 2022, in Salt Lake City.  Airlines that have stumbled badly over the last two holidays face their biggest test yet of whether they can handle big crowds when July Fourth travelers mob the nation's airports this weekend. Problems were popping up well before the weekend, with some disruptions caused by thunderstorms that slowed air traffic.(AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
            
              Off-duty Delta Air Lines pilots picket at Salt Lake City International Airport Thursday, June 30, 2022, in Salt Lake City. Airlines that have stumbled badly over the last two holidays face their biggest test yet of whether they can handle big crowds when July Fourth travelers mob the nation's airports this weekend. Problems were popping up well before the weekend, with some disruptions caused by thunderstorms that slowed air traffic. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
            
              A traveler walks pass Delta Air Lines pilots picketing at Salt Lake City International Airport Thursday, June 30, 2022, in Salt Lake City.  Airlines that have stumbled badly over the last two holidays face their biggest test yet of whether they can handle big crowds when July Fourth travelers mob the nation's airports this weekend.
Problems were popping up well before the weekend, with some disruptions caused by thunderstorms that slowed air traffic. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
            
              Off-duty Delta Air Lines pilots picket at Salt Lake City International Airport Thursday, June 30, 2022, in Salt Lake City. Airlines that have stumbled badly over the last two holidays face their biggest test yet of whether they can handle big crowds when July Fourth travelers mob the nation's airports this weekend. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
            
              Off-duty Delta Air Lines pilots picket at Salt Lake City International Airport Thursday, June 30, 2022, in Salt Lake City. Airlines that have stumbled badly over the last two holidays face their biggest test yet of whether they can handle big crowds when July Fourth travelers mob the nation's airports this weekend.
Problems were popping up well before the weekend, with some disruptions caused by thunderstorms that slowed air traffic. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
            
              Off-duty Delta Air Lines pilots picket at Salt Lake City International Airport Thursday, June 30, 2022, in Salt Lake City.  Airlines that have stumbled badly over the last two holidays face their biggest test yet of whether they can handle big crowds when July Fourth travelers mob the nation's airports this weekend.
Problems were popping up well before the weekend, with some disruptions caused by thunderstorms that slowed air traffic. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
            
              Off-duty Delta Air Lines pilots picket at Salt Lake City International Airport, Thursday, June 30, 2022, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
            
              A woman checks her credit cards at a gas station in Palatine, Ill., Thursday, June 30, 2022.in Palatine, Ill., Thursday, June 30, 2022. U.S consumers have so far defied higher prices for gas, food, and rent and have been spending more in 2022, providing crucial support to the economy. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
            
              A woman checks her credit cards at a gas station in Palatine, Ill., Thursday, June 30, 2022.in Palatine, Ill., Thursday, June 30, 2022. U.S consumers have so far defied higher prices for gas, food, and rent and have been spending more in 2022, providing crucial support to the economy. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
            
              Travelers wait to board a flight to Chicago at Hartsfield-Atlanta International Airport on Thursday, June 30, 2022 in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Jay Reeves)
            
              A woman checks her credit cards at a gas station in Palatine, Ill., Thursday, June 30, 2022.in Palatine, Ill., Thursday, June 30, 2022. U.S consumers have so far defied higher prices for gas, food, and rent and have been spending more in 2022, providing crucial support to the economy. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
            
              A customer holds a credit card at the pay-at-the-pump gasoline pump in Rolling Meadow, Ill., Thursday, June 30, 2022. U.S consumers have so far defied higher prices for gas, food, and rent and have been spending more in 2022, providing crucial support to the economy. The Wall Street Journal reports that Visa and Mastercard have raised the amount a gas station can hold up to $175 on credit or debit card at the pump. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
            
              Travelers wait to board a flight to Chicago at Hartsfield-Atlanta International Airport on Thursday, June 30, 2022 in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Jay Reeves)
            
              Off-duty Delta Air Lines pilots picket at Salt Lake City International Airport Thursday, June 30, 2022, in Salt Lake City. Airlines that have stumbled badly over the last two holidays face their biggest test yet of whether they can handle big crowds when July Fourth travelers mob the nation's airports this weekend. Problems were popping up well before the weekend, with some disruptions caused by thunderstorms that slowed air traffic. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
            
              A traveler walks pass Delta Air Lines pilots picketing at Salt Lake City International Airport Thursday, June 30, 2022, in Salt Lake City.  Airlines that have stumbled badly over the last two holidays face their biggest test yet of whether they can handle big crowds when July Fourth travelers mob the nation's airports this weekend.
Problems were popping up well before the weekend, with some disruptions caused by thunderstorms that slowed air traffic. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
            
              Off-duty Delta Air Lines pilots picket at Salt Lake City International Airport Thursday, June 30, 2022, in Salt Lake City. Airlines that have stumbled badly over the last two holidays face their biggest test yet of whether they can handle big crowds when July Fourth travelers mob the nation's airports this weekend. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
            
              Off-duty Delta Air Lines pilots picket at Salt Lake City International Airport Thursday, June 30, 2022, in Salt Lake City. Airlines that have stumbled badly over the last two holidays face their biggest test yet of whether they can handle big crowds when July Fourth travelers mob the nation's airports this weekend.
Problems were popping up well before the weekend, with some disruptions caused by thunderstorms that slowed air traffic. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
            
              Off-duty Delta Air Lines pilots picket at Salt Lake City International Airport Thursday, June 30, 2022, in Salt Lake City.  Airlines that have stumbled badly over the last two holidays face their biggest test yet of whether they can handle big crowds when July Fourth travelers mob the nation's airports this weekend.
Problems were popping up well before the weekend, with some disruptions caused by thunderstorms that slowed air traffic. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
            
              Off-duty Delta Air Lines pilots picket at Salt Lake City International Airport Thursday, June 30, 2022, in Salt Lake City.  Airlines that have stumbled badly over the last two holidays face their biggest test yet of whether they can handle big crowds when July Fourth travelers mob the nation's airports this weekend.
Problems were popping up well before the weekend, with some disruptions caused by thunderstorms that slowed air traffic. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
            
              Off-duty Delta Air Lines pilots picket at Salt Lake City International Airport, Thursday, June 30, 2022, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
            
              A woman checks her credit cards at a gas station in Palatine, Ill., Thursday, June 30, 2022.in Palatine, Ill., Thursday, June 30, 2022. U.S consumers have so far defied higher prices for gas, food, and rent and have been spending more in 2022, providing crucial support to the economy. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
            
              A woman checks her credit cards at a gas station in Palatine, Ill., Thursday, June 30, 2022.in Palatine, Ill., Thursday, June 30, 2022. U.S consumers have so far defied higher prices for gas, food, and rent and have been spending more in 2022, providing crucial support to the economy. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
            
              A customer holds a credit card at the pay-at-the-pump gasoline pump in Rolling Meadow, Ill., Thursday, June 30, 2022. U.S consumers have so far defied higher prices for gas, food, and rent and have been spending more in 2022, providing crucial support to the economy. The Wall Street Journal reports that Visa and Mastercard have raised the amount a gas station can hold up to $175 on credit or debit card at the pump. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
            
              Off-duty Delta Air Lines pilots picket at Salt Lake City International Airport Thursday, June 30, 2022, in Salt Lake City.  Airlines that have stumbled badly over the last two holidays face their biggest test yet of whether they can handle big crowds when July Fourth travelers mob the nation's airports this weekend. Problems were popping up well before the weekend, with some disruptions caused by thunderstorms that slowed air traffic.(AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
            
              Off-duty Delta Air Lines pilots picket at Salt Lake City International Airport Thursday, June 30, 2022, in Salt Lake City. Airlines that have stumbled badly over the last two holidays face their biggest test yet of whether they can handle big crowds when July Fourth travelers mob the nation's airports this weekend. Problems were popping up well before the weekend, with some disruptions caused by thunderstorms that slowed air traffic. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
            
              A traveler walks pass Delta Air Lines pilots picketing at Salt Lake City International Airport Thursday, June 30, 2022, in Salt Lake City.  Airlines that have stumbled badly over the last two holidays face their biggest test yet of whether they can handle big crowds when July Fourth travelers mob the nation's airports this weekend.
Problems were popping up well before the weekend, with some disruptions caused by thunderstorms that slowed air traffic. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
            
              Off-duty Delta Air Lines pilots picket at Salt Lake City International Airport Thursday, June 30, 2022, in Salt Lake City. Airlines that have stumbled badly over the last two holidays face their biggest test yet of whether they can handle big crowds when July Fourth travelers mob the nation's airports this weekend. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
            
              Off-duty Delta Air Lines pilots picket at Salt Lake City International Airport Thursday, June 30, 2022, in Salt Lake City. Airlines that have stumbled badly over the last two holidays face their biggest test yet of whether they can handle big crowds when July Fourth travelers mob the nation's airports this weekend.
Problems were popping up well before the weekend, with some disruptions caused by thunderstorms that slowed air traffic. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
            
              Off-duty Delta Air Lines pilots picket at Salt Lake City International Airport Thursday, June 30, 2022, in Salt Lake City.  Airlines that have stumbled badly over the last two holidays face their biggest test yet of whether they can handle big crowds when July Fourth travelers mob the nation's airports this weekend.
Problems were popping up well before the weekend, with some disruptions caused by thunderstorms that slowed air traffic. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
            
              A woman checks her credit cards at a gas station in Palatine, Ill., Thursday, June 30, 2022.in Palatine, Ill., Thursday, June 30, 2022. U.S consumers have so far defied higher prices for gas, food, and rent and have been spending more in 2022, providing crucial support to the economy. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
            
              A customer holds a credit card at the pay-at-the-pump gasoline pump in Rolling Meadow, Ill., Thursday, June 30, 2022. U.S consumers have so far defied higher prices for gas, food, and rent and have been spending more in 2022, providing crucial support to the economy. The Wall Street Journal reports that Visa and Mastercard have raised the amount a gas station can hold up to $175 on credit or debit card at the pump. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
            
              Off-duty Delta Air Lines pilots picket at Salt Lake City International Airport Thursday, June 30, 2022, in Salt Lake City.  Airlines that have stumbled badly over the last two holidays face their biggest test yet of whether they can handle big crowds when July Fourth travelers mob the nation's airports this weekend. Problems were popping up well before the weekend, with some disruptions caused by thunderstorms that slowed air traffic.(AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
            
              Travelers wait to board a flight to Chicago at Hartsfield-Atlanta International Airport on Thursday, June 30, 2022 in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Jay Reeves)
            
              Off-duty Delta Air Lines pilots picket at Salt Lake City International Airport Thursday, June 30, 2022, in Salt Lake City. Airlines that have stumbled badly over the last two holidays face their biggest test yet of whether they can handle big crowds when July Fourth travelers mob the nation's airports this weekend. Problems were popping up well before the weekend, with some disruptions caused by thunderstorms that slowed air traffic. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
            
              A traveler walks pass Delta Air Lines pilots picketing at Salt Lake City International Airport Thursday, June 30, 2022, in Salt Lake City.  Airlines that have stumbled badly over the last two holidays face their biggest test yet of whether they can handle big crowds when July Fourth travelers mob the nation's airports this weekend.
Problems were popping up well before the weekend, with some disruptions caused by thunderstorms that slowed air traffic. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
            
              Off-duty Delta Air Lines pilots picket at Salt Lake City International Airport Thursday, June 30, 2022, in Salt Lake City. Airlines that have stumbled badly over the last two holidays face their biggest test yet of whether they can handle big crowds when July Fourth travelers mob the nation's airports this weekend. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
            
              Off-duty Delta Air Lines pilots picket at Salt Lake City International Airport Thursday, June 30, 2022, in Salt Lake City. Airlines that have stumbled badly over the last two holidays face their biggest test yet of whether they can handle big crowds when July Fourth travelers mob the nation's airports this weekend.
Problems were popping up well before the weekend, with some disruptions caused by thunderstorms that slowed air traffic. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
            
              Off-duty Delta Air Lines pilots picket at Salt Lake City International Airport Thursday, June 30, 2022, in Salt Lake City.  Airlines that have stumbled badly over the last two holidays face their biggest test yet of whether they can handle big crowds when July Fourth travelers mob the nation's airports this weekend.
Problems were popping up well before the weekend, with some disruptions caused by thunderstorms that slowed air traffic. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
            
              Off-duty Delta Air Lines pilots picket at Salt Lake City International Airport Thursday, June 30, 2022, in Salt Lake City.  Airlines that have stumbled badly over the last two holidays face their biggest test yet of whether they can handle big crowds when July Fourth travelers mob the nation's airports this weekend.
Problems were popping up well before the weekend, with some disruptions caused by thunderstorms that slowed air traffic. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
            
              Off-duty Delta Air Lines pilots picket at Salt Lake City International Airport, Thursday, June 30, 2022, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
            
              A woman checks her credit cards at a gas station in Palatine, Ill., Thursday, June 30, 2022.in Palatine, Ill., Thursday, June 30, 2022. U.S consumers have so far defied higher prices for gas, food, and rent and have been spending more in 2022, providing crucial support to the economy. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
            
              A customer holds a credit card at the pay-at-the-pump gasoline pump in Rolling Meadow, Ill., Thursday, June 30, 2022. U.S consumers have so far defied higher prices for gas, food, and rent and have been spending more in 2022, providing crucial support to the economy. The Wall Street Journal reports that Visa and Mastercard have raised the amount a gas station can hold up to $175 on credit or debit card at the pump. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
            
              Off-duty Delta Air Lines pilots picket at Salt Lake City International Airport Thursday, June 30, 2022, in Salt Lake City.  Airlines that have stumbled badly over the last two holidays face their biggest test yet of whether they can handle big crowds when July Fourth travelers mob the nation's airports this weekend. Problems were popping up well before the weekend, with some disruptions caused by thunderstorms that slowed air traffic.(AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
            
              Off-duty Delta Air Lines pilots picket at Salt Lake City International Airport Thursday, June 30, 2022, in Salt Lake City. Airlines that have stumbled badly over the last two holidays face their biggest test yet of whether they can handle big crowds when July Fourth travelers mob the nation's airports this weekend. Problems were popping up well before the weekend, with some disruptions caused by thunderstorms that slowed air traffic. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
            
              A traveler walks pass Delta Air Lines pilots picketing at Salt Lake City International Airport Thursday, June 30, 2022, in Salt Lake City.  Airlines that have stumbled badly over the last two holidays face their biggest test yet of whether they can handle big crowds when July Fourth travelers mob the nation's airports this weekend.
Problems were popping up well before the weekend, with some disruptions caused by thunderstorms that slowed air traffic. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
            
              Off-duty Delta Air Lines pilots picket at Salt Lake City International Airport Thursday, June 30, 2022, in Salt Lake City. Airlines that have stumbled badly over the last two holidays face their biggest test yet of whether they can handle big crowds when July Fourth travelers mob the nation's airports this weekend. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
            
              Off-duty Delta Air Lines pilots picket at Salt Lake City International Airport Thursday, June 30, 2022, in Salt Lake City. Airlines that have stumbled badly over the last two holidays face their biggest test yet of whether they can handle big crowds when July Fourth travelers mob the nation's airports this weekend.
Problems were popping up well before the weekend, with some disruptions caused by thunderstorms that slowed air traffic. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
            
              Off-duty Delta Air Lines pilots picket at Salt Lake City International Airport Thursday, June 30, 2022, in Salt Lake City.  Airlines that have stumbled badly over the last two holidays face their biggest test yet of whether they can handle big crowds when July Fourth travelers mob the nation's airports this weekend.
Problems were popping up well before the weekend, with some disruptions caused by thunderstorms that slowed air traffic. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
            
              Off-duty Delta Air Lines pilots picket at Salt Lake City International Airport Thursday, June 30, 2022, in Salt Lake City.  Airlines that have stumbled badly over the last two holidays face their biggest test yet of whether they can handle big crowds when July Fourth travelers mob the nation's airports this weekend.
Problems were popping up well before the weekend, with some disruptions caused by thunderstorms that slowed air traffic. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
            
              Off-duty Delta Air Lines pilots picket at Salt Lake City International Airport Thursday, June 30, 2022, in Salt Lake City.  Airlines that have stumbled badly over the last two holidays face their biggest test yet of whether they can handle big crowds when July Fourth travelers mob the nation's airports this weekend. Problems were popping up well before the weekend, with some disruptions caused by thunderstorms that slowed air traffic.(AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
            
              Off-duty Delta Air Lines pilots picket at Salt Lake City International Airport, Thursday, June 30, 2022, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
            
              Off-duty Delta Air Lines pilots picket at Salt Lake City International Airport Thursday, June 30, 2022, in Salt Lake City. Airlines that have stumbled badly over the last two holidays face their biggest test yet of whether they can handle big crowds when July Fourth travelers mob the nation's airports this weekend. Problems were popping up well before the weekend, with some disruptions caused by thunderstorms that slowed air traffic. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
            
              A woman checks her credit cards at a gas station in Palatine, Ill., Thursday, June 30, 2022.in Palatine, Ill., Thursday, June 30, 2022. U.S consumers have so far defied higher prices for gas, food, and rent and have been spending more in 2022, providing crucial support to the economy. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
            
              A traveler walks pass Delta Air Lines pilots picketing at Salt Lake City International Airport Thursday, June 30, 2022, in Salt Lake City.  Airlines that have stumbled badly over the last two holidays face their biggest test yet of whether they can handle big crowds when July Fourth travelers mob the nation's airports this weekend.
Problems were popping up well before the weekend, with some disruptions caused by thunderstorms that slowed air traffic. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
            
              Off-duty Delta Air Lines pilots picket at Salt Lake City International Airport Thursday, June 30, 2022, in Salt Lake City. Airlines that have stumbled badly over the last two holidays face their biggest test yet of whether they can handle big crowds when July Fourth travelers mob the nation's airports this weekend. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
            
              A woman checks her credit cards at a gas station in Palatine, Ill., Thursday, June 30, 2022.in Palatine, Ill., Thursday, June 30, 2022. U.S consumers have so far defied higher prices for gas, food, and rent and have been spending more in 2022, providing crucial support to the economy. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
            
              Off-duty Delta Air Lines pilots picket at Salt Lake City International Airport Thursday, June 30, 2022, in Salt Lake City. Airlines that have stumbled badly over the last two holidays face their biggest test yet of whether they can handle big crowds when July Fourth travelers mob the nation's airports this weekend.
Problems were popping up well before the weekend, with some disruptions caused by thunderstorms that slowed air traffic. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
            
              A customer holds a credit card at the pay-at-the-pump gasoline pump in Rolling Meadow, Ill., Thursday, June 30, 2022. U.S consumers have so far defied higher prices for gas, food, and rent and have been spending more in 2022, providing crucial support to the economy. The Wall Street Journal reports that Visa and Mastercard have raised the amount a gas station can hold up to $175 on credit or debit card at the pump. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
            
              Off-duty Delta Air Lines pilots picket at Salt Lake City International Airport Thursday, June 30, 2022, in Salt Lake City.  Airlines that have stumbled badly over the last two holidays face their biggest test yet of whether they can handle big crowds when July Fourth travelers mob the nation's airports this weekend.
Problems were popping up well before the weekend, with some disruptions caused by thunderstorms that slowed air traffic. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
            
              Off-duty Delta Air Lines pilots picket at Salt Lake City International Airport Thursday, June 30, 2022, in Salt Lake City.  Airlines that have stumbled badly over the last two holidays face their biggest test yet of whether they can handle big crowds when July Fourth travelers mob the nation's airports this weekend.
Problems were popping up well before the weekend, with some disruptions caused by thunderstorms that slowed air traffic. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
            
              Travelers wait to board a flight to Chicago at Hartsfield-Atlanta International Airport on Thursday, June 30, 2022 in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Jay Reeves)
            
              Off-duty Delta Air Lines pilots picket at Salt Lake City International Airport, Thursday, June 30, 2022, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
            
              A woman checks her credit cards at a gas station in Palatine, Ill., Thursday, June 30, 2022.in Palatine, Ill., Thursday, June 30, 2022. U.S consumers have so far defied higher prices for gas, food, and rent and have been spending more in 2022, providing crucial support to the economy. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
            
              A woman checks her credit cards at a gas station in Palatine, Ill., Thursday, June 30, 2022.in Palatine, Ill., Thursday, June 30, 2022. U.S consumers have so far defied higher prices for gas, food, and rent and have been spending more in 2022, providing crucial support to the economy. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
            
              A customer holds a credit card at the pay-at-the-pump gasoline pump in Rolling Meadow, Ill., Thursday, June 30, 2022. U.S consumers have so far defied higher prices for gas, food, and rent and have been spending more in 2022, providing crucial support to the economy. The Wall Street Journal reports that Visa and Mastercard have raised the amount a gas station can hold up to $175 on credit or debit card at the pump. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
            
              Travelers wait to board a flight to Chicago at Hartsfield-Atlanta International Airport on Thursday, June 30, 2022 in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Jay Reeves)
            
              Off-duty Delta Air Lines pilots picket at Salt Lake City International Airport Thursday, June 30, 2022, in Salt Lake City.  Airlines that have stumbled badly over the last two holidays face their biggest test yet of whether they can handle big crowds when July Fourth travelers mob the nation's airports this weekend. Problems were popping up well before the weekend, with some disruptions caused by thunderstorms that slowed air traffic.(AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
            
              Off-duty Delta Air Lines pilots picket at Salt Lake City International Airport Thursday, June 30, 2022, in Salt Lake City. Airlines that have stumbled badly over the last two holidays face their biggest test yet of whether they can handle big crowds when July Fourth travelers mob the nation's airports this weekend. Problems were popping up well before the weekend, with some disruptions caused by thunderstorms that slowed air traffic. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
            
              A traveler walks pass Delta Air Lines pilots picketing at Salt Lake City International Airport Thursday, June 30, 2022, in Salt Lake City.  Airlines that have stumbled badly over the last two holidays face their biggest test yet of whether they can handle big crowds when July Fourth travelers mob the nation's airports this weekend.
Problems were popping up well before the weekend, with some disruptions caused by thunderstorms that slowed air traffic. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
            
              Off-duty Delta Air Lines pilots picket at Salt Lake City International Airport Thursday, June 30, 2022, in Salt Lake City. Airlines that have stumbled badly over the last two holidays face their biggest test yet of whether they can handle big crowds when July Fourth travelers mob the nation's airports this weekend. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
            
              Off-duty Delta Air Lines pilots picket at Salt Lake City International Airport Thursday, June 30, 2022, in Salt Lake City. Airlines that have stumbled badly over the last two holidays face their biggest test yet of whether they can handle big crowds when July Fourth travelers mob the nation's airports this weekend.
Problems were popping up well before the weekend, with some disruptions caused by thunderstorms that slowed air traffic. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
            
              Off-duty Delta Air Lines pilots picket at Salt Lake City International Airport Thursday, June 30, 2022, in Salt Lake City.  Airlines that have stumbled badly over the last two holidays face their biggest test yet of whether they can handle big crowds when July Fourth travelers mob the nation's airports this weekend.
Problems were popping up well before the weekend, with some disruptions caused by thunderstorms that slowed air traffic. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
            
              Off-duty Delta Air Lines pilots picket at Salt Lake City International Airport Thursday, June 30, 2022, in Salt Lake City.  Airlines that have stumbled badly over the last two holidays face their biggest test yet of whether they can handle big crowds when July Fourth travelers mob the nation's airports this weekend.
Problems were popping up well before the weekend, with some disruptions caused by thunderstorms that slowed air traffic. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
            
              Off-duty Delta Air Lines pilots picket at Salt Lake City International Airport, Thursday, June 30, 2022, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
            
              A woman checks her credit cards at a gas station in Palatine, Ill., Thursday, June 30, 2022.in Palatine, Ill., Thursday, June 30, 2022. U.S consumers have so far defied higher prices for gas, food, and rent and have been spending more in 2022, providing crucial support to the economy. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
            
              A woman checks her credit cards at a gas station in Palatine, Ill., Thursday, June 30, 2022.in Palatine, Ill., Thursday, June 30, 2022. U.S consumers have so far defied higher prices for gas, food, and rent and have been spending more in 2022, providing crucial support to the economy. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
            
              A customer holds a credit card at the pay-at-the-pump gasoline pump in Rolling Meadow, Ill., Thursday, June 30, 2022. U.S consumers have so far defied higher prices for gas, food, and rent and have been spending more in 2022, providing crucial support to the economy. The Wall Street Journal reports that Visa and Mastercard have raised the amount a gas station can hold up to $175 on credit or debit card at the pump. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
            
              Travelers wait to board a flight to Chicago at Hartsfield-Atlanta International Airport on Thursday, June 30, 2022 in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Jay Reeves)
            
              Off-duty Delta Air Lines pilots picket at Salt Lake City International Airport Thursday, June 30, 2022, in Salt Lake City.  Airlines that have stumbled badly over the last two holidays face their biggest test yet of whether they can handle big crowds when July Fourth travelers mob the nation's airports this weekend. Problems were popping up well before the weekend, with some disruptions caused by thunderstorms that slowed air traffic.(AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
            
              Off-duty Delta Air Lines pilots picket at Salt Lake City International Airport Thursday, June 30, 2022, in Salt Lake City. Airlines that have stumbled badly over the last two holidays face their biggest test yet of whether they can handle big crowds when July Fourth travelers mob the nation's airports this weekend. Problems were popping up well before the weekend, with some disruptions caused by thunderstorms that slowed air traffic. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
            
              A traveler walks pass Delta Air Lines pilots picketing at Salt Lake City International Airport Thursday, June 30, 2022, in Salt Lake City.  Airlines that have stumbled badly over the last two holidays face their biggest test yet of whether they can handle big crowds when July Fourth travelers mob the nation's airports this weekend.
Problems were popping up well before the weekend, with some disruptions caused by thunderstorms that slowed air traffic. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
            
              Off-duty Delta Air Lines pilots picket at Salt Lake City International Airport Thursday, June 30, 2022, in Salt Lake City. Airlines that have stumbled badly over the last two holidays face their biggest test yet of whether they can handle big crowds when July Fourth travelers mob the nation's airports this weekend. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
            
              Off-duty Delta Air Lines pilots picket at Salt Lake City International Airport Thursday, June 30, 2022, in Salt Lake City. Airlines that have stumbled badly over the last two holidays face their biggest test yet of whether they can handle big crowds when July Fourth travelers mob the nation's airports this weekend.
Problems were popping up well before the weekend, with some disruptions caused by thunderstorms that slowed air traffic. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
            
              Off-duty Delta Air Lines pilots picket at Salt Lake City International Airport Thursday, June 30, 2022, in Salt Lake City.  Airlines that have stumbled badly over the last two holidays face their biggest test yet of whether they can handle big crowds when July Fourth travelers mob the nation's airports this weekend.
Problems were popping up well before the weekend, with some disruptions caused by thunderstorms that slowed air traffic. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
            
              Off-duty Delta Air Lines pilots picket at Salt Lake City International Airport Thursday, June 30, 2022, in Salt Lake City.  Airlines that have stumbled badly over the last two holidays face their biggest test yet of whether they can handle big crowds when July Fourth travelers mob the nation's airports this weekend.
Problems were popping up well before the weekend, with some disruptions caused by thunderstorms that slowed air traffic. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
            
              Off-duty Delta Air Lines pilots picket at Salt Lake City International Airport, Thursday, June 30, 2022, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
            
              Off-duty Delta Air Lines pilots picket at Salt Lake City International Airport Thursday, June 30, 2022, in Salt Lake City.  Airlines that have stumbled badly over the last two holidays face their biggest test yet of whether they can handle big crowds when July Fourth travelers mob the nation's airports this weekend. Problems were popping up well before the weekend, with some disruptions caused by thunderstorms that slowed air traffic.(AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
            
              A woman checks her credit cards at a gas station in Palatine, Ill., Thursday, June 30, 2022.in Palatine, Ill., Thursday, June 30, 2022. U.S consumers have so far defied higher prices for gas, food, and rent and have been spending more in 2022, providing crucial support to the economy. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
            
              Off-duty Delta Air Lines pilots picket at Salt Lake City International Airport Thursday, June 30, 2022, in Salt Lake City. Airlines that have stumbled badly over the last two holidays face their biggest test yet of whether they can handle big crowds when July Fourth travelers mob the nation's airports this weekend. Problems were popping up well before the weekend, with some disruptions caused by thunderstorms that slowed air traffic. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
            
              A woman checks her credit cards at a gas station in Palatine, Ill., Thursday, June 30, 2022.in Palatine, Ill., Thursday, June 30, 2022. U.S consumers have so far defied higher prices for gas, food, and rent and have been spending more in 2022, providing crucial support to the economy. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
            
              A traveler walks pass Delta Air Lines pilots picketing at Salt Lake City International Airport Thursday, June 30, 2022, in Salt Lake City.  Airlines that have stumbled badly over the last two holidays face their biggest test yet of whether they can handle big crowds when July Fourth travelers mob the nation's airports this weekend.
Problems were popping up well before the weekend, with some disruptions caused by thunderstorms that slowed air traffic. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
            
              A customer holds a credit card at the pay-at-the-pump gasoline pump in Rolling Meadow, Ill., Thursday, June 30, 2022. U.S consumers have so far defied higher prices for gas, food, and rent and have been spending more in 2022, providing crucial support to the economy. The Wall Street Journal reports that Visa and Mastercard have raised the amount a gas station can hold up to $175 on credit or debit card at the pump. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
            
              Off-duty Delta Air Lines pilots picket at Salt Lake City International Airport Thursday, June 30, 2022, in Salt Lake City. Airlines that have stumbled badly over the last two holidays face their biggest test yet of whether they can handle big crowds when July Fourth travelers mob the nation's airports this weekend. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
            
              Travelers wait to board a flight to Chicago at Hartsfield-Atlanta International Airport on Thursday, June 30, 2022 in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Jay Reeves)
            
              Off-duty Delta Air Lines pilots picket at Salt Lake City International Airport Thursday, June 30, 2022, in Salt Lake City. Airlines that have stumbled badly over the last two holidays face their biggest test yet of whether they can handle big crowds when July Fourth travelers mob the nation's airports this weekend.
Problems were popping up well before the weekend, with some disruptions caused by thunderstorms that slowed air traffic. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
            
              Off-duty Delta Air Lines pilots picket at Salt Lake City International Airport Thursday, June 30, 2022, in Salt Lake City.  Airlines that have stumbled badly over the last two holidays face their biggest test yet of whether they can handle big crowds when July Fourth travelers mob the nation's airports this weekend.
Problems were popping up well before the weekend, with some disruptions caused by thunderstorms that slowed air traffic. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
            
              Off-duty Delta Air Lines pilots picket at Salt Lake City International Airport Thursday, June 30, 2022, in Salt Lake City.  Airlines that have stumbled badly over the last two holidays face their biggest test yet of whether they can handle big crowds when July Fourth travelers mob the nation's airports this weekend.
Problems were popping up well before the weekend, with some disruptions caused by thunderstorms that slowed air traffic. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
            
              Off-duty Delta Air Lines pilots picket at Salt Lake City International Airport, Thursday, June 30, 2022, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
            
              A woman checks her credit cards at a gas station in Palatine, Ill., Thursday, June 30, 2022.in Palatine, Ill., Thursday, June 30, 2022. U.S consumers have so far defied higher prices for gas, food, and rent and have been spending more in 2022, providing crucial support to the economy. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
            
              A woman checks her credit cards at a gas station in Palatine, Ill., Thursday, June 30, 2022.in Palatine, Ill., Thursday, June 30, 2022. U.S consumers have so far defied higher prices for gas, food, and rent and have been spending more in 2022, providing crucial support to the economy. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
            
              A customer holds a credit card at the pay-at-the-pump gasoline pump in Rolling Meadow, Ill., Thursday, June 30, 2022. U.S consumers have so far defied higher prices for gas, food, and rent and have been spending more in 2022, providing crucial support to the economy. The Wall Street Journal reports that Visa and Mastercard have raised the amount a gas station can hold up to $175 on credit or debit card at the pump. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
            
              Travelers wait to board a flight to Chicago at Hartsfield-Atlanta International Airport on Thursday, June 30, 2022 in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Jay Reeves)
            
              A woman checks her credit cards at a gas station in Palatine, Ill., Thursday, June 30, 2022.in Palatine, Ill., Thursday, June 30, 2022. U.S consumers have so far defied higher prices for gas, food, and rent and have been spending more in 2022, providing crucial support to the economy. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
            
              A customer holds a credit card at the pay-at-the-pump gasoline pump in Rolling Meadow, Ill., Thursday, June 30, 2022. U.S consumers have so far defied higher prices for gas, food, and rent and have been spending more in 2022, providing crucial support to the economy. The Wall Street Journal reports that Visa and Mastercard have raised the amount a gas station can hold up to $175 on credit or debit card at the pump. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
            
              Travelers wait to board a flight to Chicago at Hartsfield-Atlanta International Airport on Thursday, June 30, 2022 in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Jay Reeves)
            
              Off-duty Delta Air Lines pilots picket at Salt Lake City International Airport Thursday, June 30, 2022, in Salt Lake City. Airlines that have stumbled badly over the last two holidays face their biggest test yet of whether they can handle big crowds when July Fourth travelers mob the nation's airports this weekend. Problems were popping up well before the weekend, with some disruptions caused by thunderstorms that slowed air traffic. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
            
              Off-duty Delta Air Lines pilots picket at Salt Lake City International Airport Thursday, June 30, 2022, in Salt Lake City. Airlines that have stumbled badly over the last two holidays face their biggest test yet of whether they can handle big crowds when July Fourth travelers mob the nation's airports this weekend. Problems were popping up well before the weekend, with some disruptions caused by thunderstorms that slowed air traffic. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
            
              A traveler walks pass Delta Air Lines pilots picketing at Salt Lake City International Airport Thursday, June 30, 2022, in Salt Lake City.  Airlines that have stumbled badly over the last two holidays face their biggest test yet of whether they can handle big crowds when July Fourth travelers mob the nation's airports this weekend.
Problems were popping up well before the weekend, with some disruptions caused by thunderstorms that slowed air traffic. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
            
              A traveler walks pass Delta Air Lines pilots picketing at Salt Lake City International Airport Thursday, June 30, 2022, in Salt Lake City.  Airlines that have stumbled badly over the last two holidays face their biggest test yet of whether they can handle big crowds when July Fourth travelers mob the nation's airports this weekend.
Problems were popping up well before the weekend, with some disruptions caused by thunderstorms that slowed air traffic. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
            
              Off-duty Delta Air Lines pilots picket at Salt Lake City International Airport Thursday, June 30, 2022, in Salt Lake City. Airlines that have stumbled badly over the last two holidays face their biggest test yet of whether they can handle big crowds when July Fourth travelers mob the nation's airports this weekend. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
            
              Off-duty Delta Air Lines pilots picket at Salt Lake City International Airport Thursday, June 30, 2022, in Salt Lake City. Airlines that have stumbled badly over the last two holidays face their biggest test yet of whether they can handle big crowds when July Fourth travelers mob the nation's airports this weekend. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
            
              Off-duty Delta Air Lines pilots picket at Salt Lake City International Airport Thursday, June 30, 2022, in Salt Lake City. Airlines that have stumbled badly over the last two holidays face their biggest test yet of whether they can handle big crowds when July Fourth travelers mob the nation's airports this weekend.
Problems were popping up well before the weekend, with some disruptions caused by thunderstorms that slowed air traffic. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
            
              Off-duty Delta Air Lines pilots picket at Salt Lake City International Airport Thursday, June 30, 2022, in Salt Lake City. Airlines that have stumbled badly over the last two holidays face their biggest test yet of whether they can handle big crowds when July Fourth travelers mob the nation's airports this weekend.
Problems were popping up well before the weekend, with some disruptions caused by thunderstorms that slowed air traffic. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
            
              Off-duty Delta Air Lines pilots picket at Salt Lake City International Airport Thursday, June 30, 2022, in Salt Lake City.  Airlines that have stumbled badly over the last two holidays face their biggest test yet of whether they can handle big crowds when July Fourth travelers mob the nation's airports this weekend.
Problems were popping up well before the weekend, with some disruptions caused by thunderstorms that slowed air traffic. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
            
              Off-duty Delta Air Lines pilots picket at Salt Lake City International Airport Thursday, June 30, 2022, in Salt Lake City.  Airlines that have stumbled badly over the last two holidays face their biggest test yet of whether they can handle big crowds when July Fourth travelers mob the nation's airports this weekend.
Problems were popping up well before the weekend, with some disruptions caused by thunderstorms that slowed air traffic. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
            
              Off-duty Delta Air Lines pilots picket at Salt Lake City International Airport Thursday, June 30, 2022, in Salt Lake City.  Airlines that have stumbled badly over the last two holidays face their biggest test yet of whether they can handle big crowds when July Fourth travelers mob the nation's airports this weekend.
Problems were popping up well before the weekend, with some disruptions caused by thunderstorms that slowed air traffic. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
            
              Off-duty Delta Air Lines pilots picket at Salt Lake City International Airport, Thursday, June 30, 2022, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
            
              Off-duty Delta Air Lines pilots picket at Salt Lake City International Airport, Thursday, June 30, 2022, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
            
              A woman checks her credit cards at a gas station in Palatine, Ill., Thursday, June 30, 2022.in Palatine, Ill., Thursday, June 30, 2022. U.S consumers have so far defied higher prices for gas, food, and rent and have been spending more in 2022, providing crucial support to the economy. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
            
              A woman fills up her gas tank as she checks gas price at a gas station in Palatine, Ill., Thursday, June 30, 2022. U.S consumers have so far defied higher prices for gas, food, and rent and have been spending more in 2022, providing crucial support to the economy. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
            
              A woman checks her credit cards at a gas station in Palatine, Ill., Thursday, June 30, 2022.in Palatine, Ill., Thursday, June 30, 2022. U.S consumers have so far defied higher prices for gas, food, and rent and have been spending more in 2022, providing crucial support to the economy. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
            
              Travelers wait to board a flight to Chicago at Hartsfield-Atlanta International Airport on Thursday, June 30, 2022 in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Jay Reeves)
            
              The price for regular gasoline is shown ahead of the Fourth of July weekend, at a Costco gas station, Thursday, June 30, 2022, in North Miami, Fla. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)
            
              People wait in a TSA line at the John F. Kennedy International Airport on Tuesday, June 28, 2022, in New York. (AP Photo/Julia Nikhinson)
            
              People wait in a TSA line at the John F. Kennedy International Airport on Tuesday, June 28, 2022, in New York. (AP Photo/Julia Nikhinson)
            People walk through John F. Kennedy International Airport on Tuesday, June 28, 2022, in New York. (AP Photo/Julia Nikhinson) A person stands near a sign for TWA Hotel at John F. Kennedy International Airport on Tuesday, June 28, 2022, in New York. (AP Photo/Julia Nikhinson) A JetBlue airplane lands at John F. Kennedy International Airport ahead of the Fourth of July holiday weekend on Tuesday, June 28, 2022, in New York. (AP Photo/Julia Nikhinson) Travelers make their way near a JetBlue sign ahead of the Fourth of July holiday weekend at John F. Kennedy International Airport on Tuesday, June 28, 2022 in New York. (AP Photo/Julia Nikhinson)

AP

(Facebook Photo/City of San Luis, Arizona)...
Associated Press

San Luis authorities receive complaints about 911 calls going across border

Authorities in San Luis say they are receiving more complaints about 911 calls mistakenly going across the border.
6 days ago
(Pexels Photo)...
Associated Press

Daylight saving time begins in most of US this weekend

No time change is observed in Hawaii, most of Arizona, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Guam and the Northern Marianas.
14 days ago
Mexican army soldiers prepare a search mission for four U.S. citizens kidnapped by gunmen in Matamo...
Associated Press

How the 4 abducted Americans in Mexico were located

The anonymous tip that led Mexican authorities to a remote shack where four abducted Americans were held described armed men and blindfolds.
14 days ago
Tom Brundy points to a newly built irrigation canal on one of the fields at his farm Tuesday, Feb. ...
Associated Press

Southwest farmers reluctant to idle farmland to save water

There is a growing sense that fallowing will have to be part of the solution to the increasingly desperate drought in the West.
21 days ago
A young bison calf stands in a pond with its herd at Bull Hollow, Okla., on Sept. 27, 2022. The cal...
Associated Press

US aims to restore bison herds to Native American lands after near extinction

U.S. officials will work to restore more large bison herds to Native American lands under a Friday order from Interior Secretary Deb Haaland.
21 days ago
Children play in a dried riverbed in Flassans-sur-Issole, southern France, Wednesday, March 1, 2023...
Associated Press

Italy, France confront 2nd year of western Europe drought

ROME (AP) — Bracing for Italy’s second consecutive year of drought for the first time in decades, Premier Giorgia Meloni huddled with ministers Wednesday to start mapping out an action plan Wednesday, joining France and other nations in western Europe grappling with scant winter rain and snow. Meloni and her ministers decided to appoint an […]
23 days ago

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Desert Institute for Spine Care in Arizona

5 common causes for chronic neck pain

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How high-speed fiber internet edges out cable for everyday use

In a world where technology drives so much of our daily lives, a lack of high-speed internet can be a major issue.
All eyes on airlines as July Fourth holiday weekend nears