CLAYTON COUNTY, Ga. — People are packing the roads, rails, and skies to make it to their final destinations just in time for the holidays. In fact, AAA reports that 115 million Americans are expected to travel more than 50 miles on Christmas and New Year's.
AAA reports the busiest expected days to fly back are next Tuesday and Wednesday, so if you can wait, flying home Thursday or Friday should be less congested.
The sights and sounds of holiday travel filled Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport on Saturday. 7.5 million people are expected to fly for the holidays. Two of those flyers are Shelia Deace and her son Jeremiah.
“We’re traveling today for Christmas to Miami. My son wanted to go where it was warm," Shelia said.
Shelia believes being prepared will make this flight and her trip back home on Tuesday go off without a hitch.
“Pack early, and make sure we head to the airport at least three hours prior to the time so that if any hiccups happen, we’re already prepared, and we not running through the airport like that person just did," Shelia said. "We’re not trying to run through the airport at all.”
“Have fun. Make sure you’re enjoying the holidays with your blessed ones, and make sure you’re not taking anything for granted during this holiday season because a lot of people are by themselves. If you can be with people you love, why not do it?” Jeremiah said.
Whether it's this trip or your next one, AAA suggests taking the earliest flight possible since it's less likely to be delayed or canceled and buying travel insurance in case something goes wrong.
“I’m diverted to Miami, Florida first, and then I’m going to Philadelphia to see my fiancé and her family," flyer Quintin Hogans said.
Hogans has some advice for other holiday travelers.
“Make sure you know what you’re going to pack before you pack," Hogans said. "The other advice is don’t stress.”
Shelia and Jeremiah Deace can't wait for the warm Miami weather and said, most importantly, enjoy the reason for your holiday travels.
“Merry Christmas. Merry Christmas, everyone! Merry Christmas,” the Deaces said.
The busiest expected day for road travel is next Wednesday from 1 to 7 p.m., so try to leave in the morning or after 7 o’clock.