Americans Brace for Thanksgiving Rush in Test of Airspace

US airlines are bracing for what stands to be the busiest Thanksgiving travel period on record, testing a strained aviation system that’s only just bounced back from flight restrictions prompted by the government shutdown.

Sprinkle in persistent air-traffic controller shortages, calamitous winter weather brewing in the Pacific Northwest and Midwest, as well as fuel-supply constraints, sporadic tech outages and the rollout of REAL ID requirements, and aviation experts say travelers should brace for disruptions and extra stress.