CHICOPEE, MA (WGGB/WSHM) — Thanksgiving travel could be chaotic this year with the FAA still forcing flight cancellations and Amtrak Northeast cancelling several train trips this week on the Hartford line through western Massachusetts.

Flight cancellations nationwide due to air traffic controller shortages, combined with local train line cancellations, are causing travelers to panic about reaching their holiday destinations. With planes and trains facing disruptions, rental cars are becoming a popular alternative for holiday travel. Shana Phillips, assistant manager at All Star Car and Truck Rental in Chicopee, said the company is seeing increased demand from travelers whose original plans fell through. “A lot of last-minute flights were canceled or there were other agencies that may have overbooked and they’re not able to get a car, so we do see a lot of stress changes, a lot of last-minute bookings,” she explained.

Phillips recommended booking backup transportation sooner rather than later and noted that demand typically spikes right before holidays. “It is usually an uptick around the holidays. Most of the time, surprisingly, we’re very quiet until the right the day before or something like that,” she added.

Unlike many travel services, All Star Car and Truck Rental maintains consistent pricing year-round, even during peak holiday periods. “The good thing about us is we don’t try to capitalize on weekends or holidays. We keep our rates daily, weekly, monthly,” Phillips noted.

The company’s busiest season is typically summer months, but holiday disruptions are creating unexpected demand. Phillips emphasized the company’s commitment to helping travelers reach their destinations safely. “It’s just really important for us to be there for the public, so they can have a more secure way to get to and from,” she said.

For travelers considering rental cars as their backup plan, Phillips advised driving slowly, leaving early and returning the vehicle safely.

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