Holiday Travel Season Takes Off with Record-Breaking Numbers
The holiday season is in full swing, and with it comes the hustle and bustle of travel. Americans across the nation are gearing up to head home for the holidays, resulting in a record-breaking travel weekend. The skies are buzzing, and the roads are bustling as millions of people embark on their journeys.
At airports like New York's LaGuardia Airport, travel conditions are relatively smooth sailing. Security wait times are currently less than five minutes for both TSA pre-check and the regular line, providing some much-needed good news for travelers. However, over at JFK Airport, one security line is experiencing congestion with wait times nearing an hour.
Unfortunately, not all airports are faring as well. With more than 2,000 delays and cancellations reported across the country, passengers are encountering travel hiccups in airports located in Orlando, Dallas, and Fort Lauderdale, which are currently ranking as the worst in the nation for these issues.
According to AAA, an estimated 7.5 million people are projected to catch a flight during the end-of-year travel period, which spans from today through January 1st. This surge in travel is causing frustration for many travelers.
In light of potential delays, passengers are preparing themselves for the unexpected. Some are arriving at airports significantly earlier than usual to account for any complications, with one traveler sharing that they arrived two and a half hours early, despite typically only needing an hour or an hour and a half of cushioning time. Others advise packing early and setting multiple alarms for an early start, emphasizing the importance of day-ahead preparation.
For those who prefer to avoid the airport chaos, AAA reveals that the majority of Americans opt to hit the road during holiday travel periods. Today and the 28th are anticipated to be the busiest days on the roadways. To mitigate heavy traffic, AAA advises taking to the roads before lunchtime or after 7 PM.
As the holiday season continues, travel remains a central focus for many. With more people than ever hitting the skies and roads, it's crucial to remain patient and prepared. Stay up to date with any potential delays or cancellations, plan accordingly, and remember to embrace the holiday spirit amidst the travel madness.