Travelers at Minneapolis-St.Paul International Airport enjoy minimal delays on Christmas Eve
MINNEAPOLIS — It was a quiet scene at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport Christmas Eve.
Airlines for America still predicts a record-breaking 54 million Americans will fly over the holidays — a 6% increase from last year.
"I am surprised. I thought it would be a lot more crowded," traveler Wayne Harris said. "It doesn't seem to be that busy, which is a good thing."
Travel experts say Dec. 24, 25 and Jan. 1 tend to be light travel days during the holiday season — and the busiest happen the weekend before or after the big holiday.
Low wait times and small crowds shocked travelers at MSP Tuesday.
"I'm surprised. Actually, when you look around it's quick and easy and actually the lines are five, 10 minutes which is quick," Melissa Tilford said.
"We really expected it to be a zoo," Terry Tilford added. "A scene out of 'Home Alone.' And instead, it's a ghost town. It's awesome."
Melissa and Terry Tilford say it's the first time they've flown on Christmas Eve, but tend to travel Thanksgiving Day to avoid a busy airport.
"They helped us check a bag. It went real smoothly, effortless," Melissa Tilford said.
American Airlines reported a technical issue Tuesday morning that grounded all of its flights for about an hour. The problem was quickly resolved and didn't cause any cancellations or major disruptions at MSP.
Ben Francis thought MSP might be packed because of it.
"We thought it would be slammed and crazy, but there's hardly anybody here," he said.
This is the first holiday season that airlines are now required to give customers an automatic cash refund for a canceled or significantly delayed flight.
While air traffic is breaking records, most people will be driving. AAA reports that 90% of Americans traveling far from home over the holidays will be in cars.
