As the holiday season kicks into high gear, millions of travelers are making their way to their chosen destinations, braving the bustling airports and congested highways. Let's take a closer look at the current state of affairs.
At New York's LaGuardia Airport, things are relatively calm at the moment, despite a looming storm in Southern California that could potentially affect travelers heading to Los Angeles, San Diego, or Phoenix. Meanwhile, Reagan National Airport, just outside the nation's capital, is experiencing a smooth flow of passengers, particularly at the Terminal 2 North Checkpoint, where the security lines are moving swiftly, averaging about seven to ten minutes for travelers to pass through.
Yesterday, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) saw a higher number of passengers than initially anticipated. They projected that approximately 2.5 million individuals would undergo airport security checks across the country, but the final tally reached 2.64 million. Today's figures are expected to surpass those numbers, with an estimated 2.7 million people traveling via airports nationwide. This massive influx of passengers will require the handling of approximately 44,000 flights throughout the day.
Fortunately, airports across the country are reporting relatively few disruptions. As of now, there have been approximately 50 cancellations and 500 delays. However, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued warnings about potential ground stops in Los Angeles and Phoenix due to the inclement weather in those areas. Additionally, low cloud ceilings in Texas and Minneapolis have caused some minor delays.
Looking ahead, concerns about the weather during the weekend and into next week have caught the attention of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. With Tuesday through Friday expected to be the peak travel days, Buttigieg emphasizes the importance of keeping track of weather updates and staying in communication with airlines. While travelers can't control the weather, airlines have the responsibility of ensuring their systems are resilient enough to handle any weather-related challenges.
According to AAA, a total of 115 million people will be traveling more than 50 miles during this holiday season, with the majority, around 111 million, opting to travel by car. Notably, the timing of Christmas falling on a Monday has resulted in the best travel days being Saturday and Sunday. However, as we approach the following week, a convergence of regular commuters and holiday travelers is expected, potentially leading to increased traffic on the roads.
On a positive note, gas prices have taken a dip, bringing some relief to road trip enthusiasts. The current national average for a gallon of gas sits at $3.12, which is slightly lower than a month ago, albeit slightly higher than this time last year.
As the holiday hustle and bustle continue, travelers are advised to stay vigilant, check weather forecasts, and remain in contact with their airlines for any updates or changes in travel plans. With proper preparation and a touch of patience, holiday travel can be a smooth and enjoyable experience for all.
