Traveling during the holidays? AAA wants to make sure you’re prepared

AUSTIN, Texas — The holiday season is upon us, and that means Texans will hit the road or take to the skies to get to their holiday destinations. 

AAA Texas is predicting that many Texans–around 9.1 million–will travel during the holiday season.

Of those travelers, the automobile organization is predicting that approximately 90% of Texans will choose to drive to their holiday destinations, making for some congested roadways. 

INRIX, a leading transportation analytics source, is predicting that the worst of the congestion will occur the weekends before Christmas and New Year’s Day. 

Thankfully, the national gas price average is lower than last year and the Texas average is about the same, according to AAA.

Here are some tips for driving during the holidays:

• Follow the posted speed limits
• Drive only when alert and refreshed and never drive drunk
• Travel during hours you’re normally awake and avoid overnight drives
• Steer clear of heavy meals, drowsy medications and alcohol
• For long trips, take breaks every two hours or 100 miles
• Whenever you see roadside construction, slow down and move over to prevent accidents
• When you see an emergency responder on the side of the road assisting a stranded driver, reduce your speed.

Air travel is the second-most popular form of transportation for Texans this holiday season, and AAA expects record-level air travel this year. Nationwide, AAA is predicting that 7.85 million people will take to the skies, and while air travel in Texas will be higher than last year, it isn’t expected to beat the record set in 2019.

That may be because AAA’s data is showing that flights are 4% more expensive this December compared to last year, with the average domestic ticket costing $830 and international tickets averaging $1,630. 

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is predicting that it will screen nearly 40 million passengers from Dec. 19, 2024, through Jan. 2, 2025. 

TSA is also projecting that the highest volume travel days will be Dec. 20, Dec. 27 and Dec. 30. 

Here are some holiday travel tips from the TSA if you are planning on flying:

• Pack smart and start with an empty bag
• Arrive at least two hours before your flight
• Bring an acceptable ID
• Be aware of new checkpoint screening technology
• Call ahead, 855-787-2227, if you need passenger support
• Listen to and respect frontline employees
• Remain aware of your surroundings