Millions hit the road, take to the air on busiest travel day

ORLANDO – 

The car is packed, you’re ready to hit the road for your holiday destination.

So are some 4.3 million other Floridians.

And many of you will probably travel today.

AAA predicts 9 out of 10 Floridians will travel on the roads this holiday, with today being the busiest travel day of the season.

A rise in airline tickets is contributing to the decision to drive this year. Fares went up 21 percent this year.

Some also find driving more convenient.

Charles Lambrey is heading to Atlanta. he said it’s a lot easier to bring presents by driving instead of flying.

“A lot of luggage, don’t want to pay the baggage fee and it’s convenient for me as well,” Lambrey said.

The busiest times on the roads will be the average rush hour times. one traveler we talked to, Marcia Sohor, had advice for fellow drivers.

“Get on the road as soon as they can, and then just take it easy and don’t get impatient,” Sohor said. ”Have a lot of patience with all of it.”

Travel experts also say making sure the car is in good condition is also important before hitting the road.

“It should be be checked,” said Patricia Diaz with AAA. “Check brakes, tires, anything that could go wrong. It’s better to be aware before you get on the road.”

AAA also suggests that folks who are stopping overnight at a hotel should check availability and rates ahead of time. the average hotel rate is $126 a night.

Nearly 4.8 million Floridians will be traveling from December 23 through January 2.

at the Airport

Meanwhile anyone heading to OIA today can expect to have plenty of compnay.

The airport says today is the busiest travel day of the holiday season, with more than 119,000 people passing through the gates.

And weather could cause hangups for some travelers.

Many are still digging out from a big winter storm in Colorado.

Today – snow is moving out of the northeast but moving to parts of the west.

Remember – if you have a flight or you’re expecting someone – you can check it anytime.

Millions hit the road, take to the air on busiest travel day