Millions of Americans on the move for Thanksgiving
NEW YORK -- AAA says the day before Thanksgiving is the busiest day on our roads, and the Port Authority says flying is expected to reach a pre-pandemic high this year.
So how are travelers coping?
It's one of the busiest travel days of the year. Some advice from travelers to travelers? Leave early.
'Tis the season for turkey and holiday travel.
"Get their early just to be safe," one person said.
Those who were flying on Thanksgiving eve, got to the airport hours early and camped out.
"We're just waiting for our flight, four hours early," said Tricia Ramirez.
"Almost three hours early," another traveler said.
"We got here super early anticipating a crowd, but the airport is quiet," said Alicia Klages.
On roadway in Queens, "it has been horrible," one Uber driver told CBS2's Jennifer Bisram.
"The traffic is often bad. I usually get my tickets around this time, driving on the shoulder and everything like that," one driver named Omar said.
The MTA continues to urge people to take public transportation, but New Yorkers and their furry friends who hit the road say they didn't have to deal with any traffic or check-in headache.
"I'm so thankful for this airport not being packed," Alejandra Serrano said.
The Port Authority says over six million people are expected to travel through our airports and roadways from now through Sunday.
The Transportation Security Administration expects to screen as many as 2.5 million people Wednesday.
"I haven't had any issues so far, but it was pretty smooth this morning. No lost bags, nothing," said traveler Meghan Sousos.
At LaGuardia Airport Wednesday morning, travelers prepared for delays, but were pleasantly surprised.
"I head to the ticket counter, print tickets, and make sure I get to the gate fast," said traveler Jerrell Williams.
"It was the first time the kids have been back to see grandma in a couple years," one traveler said.
"I've got to tell you that it was very, very smooth and easy. Except when we got here to Newark, we sat on the tarmac for about 25 minutes. So not bad," said traveler Rosemary Lizon.
"Today we didn't do any checked bags, so it was super easy, smooth, no delay, and that was our concern, for weather. So we took the earliest flight out because flights have been getting canceled the last couple weeks," traveler Veronica Bucci said.
About 55 million people in total are traveling for Thanksgiving this week, according to AAA, and although the vast majority will drive to their destinations, about 4.5 million Americans are set to fly, up nearly 8% from last year.
All of this driving is happening despite high prices at the pump.
"They say they're going down, I don't really know. It's OK. I wish it was like $2 instead of $3.50," New York City resident Tiffany Manley said.
"It's a little bit painful, but worth it to see family for us," Massachusetts resident Liz Moynihan added.
Following two holiday seasons in a row marked by COVID-19 restrictions, people are ready for a normal dinner around the table.
"We had to arrive three hours prior to our flight. It was uneventful, and we're here now, and I'm happy. Going to see my sister," traveler Danita Johnson said.
Airline employees are busy behind the counters.
"Constantly moving, I don't stop," one said.
While passengers are showing up early to avoid as much stress as possible.
"We got the flights early with a child, but actually it was pretty quick," said one person.
Flight Trackers
LaGuardia Airport tweeted out early Wednesday parking was beginning to fill up, urging folks to pre-book a space, while the MTA is urging travelers to take public transit to the airport.
Those who hit the road early said traffic coming in was not too bad.
"All the signs said gridlock, so that was concerning driving here. But the commute was pretty good. I live on Long Island and it wasn't that bad. It took me about an hour or so," said Melissa Isaacson.
Things have probably changed on the roads since then. AAA says the worst time to be driving is Wednesday - you could see your commute double. So if you wan wait it out until late Wednesday night or Thursday, that might be your best bet.