Joel Rose

Joel Rose, NPR News, Washington.

AAA is projecting that nearly 82 million people will travel at least 50 miles from home between the Tuesday before Thanksgiving and the Monday after the holiday.

That's 1.6 million more than last year's record total.

AAA expects that the vast majority, about 73 million, will travel by car.

About 6 million people are expected to fly, though AAA says that number could wind up slightly lower if some air travelers made other plans because of flight disruptions during the government shutdown.

The Federal Aviation Administration says this is expected to be the busiest Thanksgiving travel season in 15 years, with a peak of more than 52,000 flights scheduled on Tuesday.

Joel Rose, NPR News, Washington.

Only 311 air traffic controllers out of more than 10,000 will qualify for the cash bonuses, according to the Controllers Union.

Controllers were required to work without pay during the 43-day shutdown.

Some took on second jobs and many called out sick as they dealt with the financial pressure of missing two full paychecks and part of a third.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy says the bonuses originally suggested by President Trump are intended to reward the patriotic men and women who did not miss a single shift during the shutdown.

But some controllers called the bonuses unfair and a betrayal.

Their union said, quote, more than 311 of these dedicated professionals were instrumental in keeping America moving.

Joel Rose, NPR News, Washington.

Only 311 air traffic controllers out of more than 10,000 will qualify for the cash bonuses, according to the Controllers Union.

Controllers were required to work without pay during the 43-day shutdown.

Some took on second jobs and many called out sick as they dealt with the financial pressure of missing two full paychecks and part of a third.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy says the bonuses originally suggested by President Trump are intended to reward the patriotic men and women who did not miss a single shift during the shutdown.

But some controllers called the bonuses unfair and a betrayal.

Their union said, quote, more than 311 of these dedicated professionals were instrumental in keeping America moving.