As Thanksgiving winds down, a record number of travelers are set to swarm Houston's airports, with officials bracing for what might be the busiest day of the holiday season. According to KHOU, Sunday traffic is anticipated to peak from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., capping off a 12-day travel period where more than 2.2 million travelers were expected to weave through the Houston Airport System. Bush Airport, currently contending with its own construction hurdles, managed to reopen an additional lane to alleviate some of the strain, prompting Houston Airport System's Jim Szczesniak to share that severe traffic has lessened by more than 90% compared to last year.
Meanwhile, the ABC13 reports a similar narrative nationwide, with Flight Aware's Misery Map highlighting Atlanta, Charlotte, and Detroit as troubled spots for delays amidst inclement winter weather that could see western New York buried under another two feet of snow by Sunday's end, and while Houston airports are running smoothly the director of the Houston Airport Systems highlighted potential snags for those heading northeast.
Amid this hurried exodus "I think it's pretty good, honestly. For as many people in this city, I think we're looking pretty good," Karen Sherbondy told ABC13 and not to be outdone Tasha Bell commented on the experience as "a bit much, it's like hustle and bustle." Igor Lopez offered a reminder of the bittersweet nature of holiday travel, stating that "there's like a feeling of like kind of happiness, kind of remorse. People are leaving family and going back home for the most part."
Travelers are advised to check TSA line wait times and reserve parking online to bypass some of the impending congestion these conveniences can be found on the respective Bush and Hobby airport websites, and despite difficulties on the road, drivers can take solace in lower gas prices compared to the last few years. Triple A's data suggests an optimal travel window before 1 p.m. on Sunday to skirt the heftiest traffic that's slated for 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.; however, those destined for the I-45 Gulf Freeway on Monday night may need to gear up for a congestion of up to 30% above norm according to Inrix.
