As the countdown to Christmas ticks away, the surge of holiday travelers has escalated, with major transportation hubs experiencing a notable uptick in activity. ABC7NY reports that AAA predicts over 120 million Americans will be traveling by various means through to the New Year, indicating a significant movement of people across the nation.
For those electing to traverse the landscape by car, AAA has advised that the best travel times are before 10 a.m. today and tomorrow. Conversely, between the rush hours of 1 p.m. and 7 p.m., the roads are expected to be the most congested, planning a road trip might want to take note. Meanwhile, FOX 5 New York highlights the record crowds and resulting delays at NYC's LaGuardia Airport, as holidaymakers maneuver through a sea of fellow travelers and weather-imposed uncertainties.
Traveling by air does not come without its price, with the cost of a roundtrip domestic flight nearing a steep $900, according to AAA data on what passengers paid when booking their holiday travel. In addition to bracing for financial outlay, flyers should anticipate giving themselves more leeway at airports, with the TSA suggesting that gifts be left unwrapped to facilitate a smoother security screening process.
The impending festivities coincide with the possibility of snow tomorrow, injecting additional layers of potential disruption to an already stretched travel schedule. Keeping an eye on flight information becomes a critical task, as the FAA expects more than 440,000 flights between December 18 and 27, seeking for any last-minute delays or cancellations that could adjust their itinerary. The weekend following New Year's day is also predicted to be bustling with activity, closing out the season of heightened travel.
