Michiganders’ last-minute holiday travel, preparations in full swing

DETROIT – The busy holiday travel rush is on! Detroit Metro Airport expects to 1.7 million passengers to fly between Dec. 18 and Jan. 5, 2025.

Katie Harvey was just one of the people we met making her way through the hustle and bustle of the flight check-in area. She was flying to Nashville to surprise her mom for Christmas, not even a recent hospitalization could stop her.

“I wouldn’t miss this for anything, she doesn’t know that I’m coming so hopefully when I get there she’ll be happy that I’m there.”

Then there was Beth Ziemba. The Detroit native, who lives in Chicago now was back in Metro Detroit following a Caribbean cruise.

“It wasn’t as crowded as we thought. Everything went really smooth; we are very blessed and plenty of time,” said Ziemba.

There were no cancellations but a handful of delays on Monday.

AAA expects 3.4 million Michiganders will hit the road this holiday season. MDOT crews were out salting the roadways to keep the light dusting of snow from turning to ice. And for those staying in town, there was last minute shopping to be done.

“The 23rd is always the busiest day of the year for us,” said Andy Linn of City Bird. He says the most popular items have been their mugs and Christmas ornaments.