More than 122 million Americans are expected to travel over Christmas and New Year’s, according to AAA. Among them, 109 million are driving.
“We’re heading to Boston,” one traveler told Spectrum News 1. “We left Buffalo around 6:30 this morning. They had about 1-2 inches of snow, and then for a good 90 miles or so, that was the issue. Not so much heavy traffic, but just a lot of snow.”
Whether it’s icy conditions or navigating heavy traffic, experts say make sure you check over your vehicle before hitting the road.
“Last year, AAA responded to 860,000 emergency road service requests during the holiday period,” said Eric Stigberg, managing director of public affairs of AAA Northway. “That’s from Christmas through New Year’s. That’s a lot. And with record travel, I would expect that number to go even higher this year. So, make sure your car is ready to go as well as you. Top the fluids off, check the tires and avoid a roadside breakdown if possible.”
If you’re among the record 8 million who are flying, the Transportation Safety Administration (TSA) is reminding flyers what they can and can’t pack in their bags.
“The general rule of thumb is that if you can spill it, spray it, spread it, pump it or pour it, it’s not a solid,” said Brian Bushnell, TSA acting federal security director for upstate New York. “And if it’s more than 3.4 ounces, it should be packed in a checked bag.”
In addition to flying and driving, AAA says nearly 5 million people are traveling by train, bus or cruise.