Holiday travel surge: 120M Americans on the move despite weather challenges

PHOENIX – So far, only a few early delays were reported on December 23, while we’re in the home stretch of what may be one of the busiest holiday travel seasons in decades.

While the expected busiest days ahead of Christmas have passed, Dec. 23 and 24 are still expected to see a lot of air and ground traffic.

AAA expects nearly 120 million Americans to travel 50 miles or more for the holidays. That’s three million more than last year. And it was pretty noticeable at airports across the country over the weekend – and it was a bit turbulent for some.

Rain and snow across the country, mostly in the Midwest and northeast, forced delays and cancelations.

Flight Aware reports that Sky Harbor saw 269 delays and five cancelations on Dec. 22.

The advice for airline passengers is to get to the airport early.

“Give yourself plenty of time. It’s so much better to arrive early. And maybe you’re just sort of sitting around bored, walking around, maybe grab a magazine. A book. Go to a restaurant at the airport. That’s the best that you can do versus having to run around and be rushing or perhaps even miss your flight,” said AAA spokesperson Aixa Diaz.

Most travelers will be driving to their holiday destinations. AAA advises drivers to hit the road earlier in the day.

After Christmas day, the busiest days at airports are expected to be Thursday, Dec. 26, Friday, Dec. 27, and Sunday, Dec. 29.