It may take a while to get to your turkey dinner this year. Both road and air travel are expected to increase.
Mid Continent Airport encourages people to arrive two hours before departure. Due to construction, the parking lots have slightly changed at the airport. Short-term parking is limited to 4 hours, and people can expect to pay higher fees if they use it.
Miranda Watkins is traveling with family this week. She encourages people to use an online check-in to help cut down time. Many companies let customers print boarding passes up to 24 hours before flight.
“Oh yeah, and checking in online saves you so much time,” Watkins said. “So you don’t have to worry about a bunch of stuff. You can literally just walk up to the gate and you’re good to go.”
The improving economy and low gas prices are also giving road travel a boost. AAA projects 46.3 people will travel at least 50 miles from home — the most the country has seen in 7 years.
Due to the shift in weather, Evelyn Cooley said she likes to be prepared.
“Check the weather before you travel,” she said. “Make sure it’s not snowy, and always pack your care safely. Make sure your tires are in safe condition.”
Yet, no matter what people pack for their travels, Albert Paredez says they should always remember one thing: a good holiday spirit.
“You don’t to be a ‘bah humbug,’ so when you wake up, get ready to go,” he said. “Make sure you leave all your problems at home and go happy.”