U.S. airlines and airports are preparing for a surge in passengers over the Thanksgiving holiday, with the number of travelers expected to hit the highest level in three years. Nearly 55 million Americans will take to the roads, skies and rails for the holiday, AAA estimates, with air travel near 2019 levels before the COVID-19 pandemic. However, staffing and aircraft shortages have capped the airline industry's ability to ramp up capacity, resulting in fewer seats and higher fares for travelers.

WHAT AIR TRAVELERS CAN EXPECT THIS HOLIDAY WEEKEND

The FAA on Monday proposed new rules that would help pave the way for commercial air taxi operations by around the middle of the decade. Electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft (eVTOL) have been touted as flying taxis that could be the future of urban air mobility. The low-altitude urban air mobility aircraft industry has drawn intense interest around the world as numerous eVTOL companies have gone public.

WHAT THE FAA DID TO MOVE UP THE TIMEFRAME TO TAKEOFF

There is a new way to enjoy the beloved Thanksgiving flavor of green bean casserole this year and it's being introduced in a way that many wouldn't expect. Sparkling water company Aura Bora released its latest seltzer flavor "Green Bean Casserole." A case of 12 cans costs $33, and its taste is described as "sweet, earthy, and buttery." Aura Bora offers other holiday flavors like "honey pumpkin" and "chai cranberry."

HOW TO GET THE NEW GREEN BEAN CASSEROLE SELTZER

Turkey is the obvious favorite dish for Americans on Thanksgiving. According to YouGovAmerica, which traditional favorite was No. 2?

Monday's answer: Qatar is the second-flattest nation on Earth, behind only The Maldives. The island nation is just 1.5 meters above sea level.