FAA Initiatives
The FAA has several initiatives that are used to efficiently manage traffic volume including ground stops, ground delay programs, and required routes. These initiatives are most often used during high volume traffic days that coincide with the holiday season and during winter weather events. If a winter storm impacts a region, expect significant delays and airport closures for snow removal and aircraft deicing. If your destination airport is impacted, you could be caught with an EDCT (Expect Departure Clearance Time).
When flying to popular winter locations, such as the Ski Country airports (ASE, EGE, and RIL), expect the potential for ATC to issue required routes as noted in the FAA playbook. The “Ski Country 1 or 2” routes are typically issued the day of by the FAA Command Center after examining volume heading into these Colorado airports. Keep in mind, slots are not required at these airports but ramp space can be limited. As a result, ground delays are possible even on VFR days. Elsewhere, expect heavy volume between the US Northeast, Florida, and the Caribbean over the holidays and into the winter months. ATC will typically issue required playbook routes here as well.