Holiday Travel Rush Officially Underway

BALTIMORE (WJZ) --'Tis the season to head home for the holidays, but anyone who is hitting the road or taking to the skies certainly has a lot of company.

Rick Ritter has more on what's expected to be a record hitting year for travel.

AAA estimates more than two million people in Maryland are expected to travel for the holidays. Plenty of them here at BWI National Airport and plenty trying to leave a day or two early and avoid the holiday rush.

Bags packed, long lines, holiday travel season in full swing.

AAA estimates over 98 million Americans will journey 50 miles or more over the next 10 days.

"We are headed to Vancouver British Columbia where my family is from," Natalie Fleming Nolen said.

At BWI Airport plenty arrive early to avoid the rush.

"That's why we're smiling and waving because we're like hey we've got time to spare," a traveler said.

Thousands traveling across the country to see loved ones.

"I'm going to Connecticut to see my boyfriend for Christmas," another traveler said.

Some are even traveling to share some good news.

"We just found out the sex of our baby, but my parents don't know yet so we're going to tell them when we get off the plane," Nolen said.

For University of Maryland Terps wide receiver, Marcus Leak, it's a chance for family time before a ball game against Stanford.

"We really don't get that much free time so this means a lot to us," Leak said.

AAA estimates 5.7 million travelers will fly for the holidays, a small number compared to the 90 million they expect to hit the roadways.

Plenty will be taking advantage of low gas prices, digging out to drive.

"I'm trying not to get stuck in the traffic," a traveler said.

"A little bit of rain and drizzle as long as it's not snowing," another traveler said.

But just like that the holiday rush will be over and it'll be time to do it once again.

And despite the weather, officials at BWI said there's been very few delays and hopefully it stays like that.

Other Local News: