Holiday season will test US traveler’s nerves
This holiday season looks even busier than last year’s according to travel experts. And the patience of travelers will face a severe test.
Forty-two million passengers will travel on U.S. airlines during the winter holiday season, from Thursday through 3 January, forecasts the Air Transport Association (ATA). That’s up 2.4% compared to the same three-week period last year.
Flight occupancy is expected to be high, about 80%, according to the ATA.
”Travel overall is still up from last year, which was a record-breaking year, so it should be a pretty busy season,” said Travelocity editor-at-large Amy Ziff.
The busiest travel days are expected to be Dec. 22, 23, 24, 29, 30 and 31 and Jan. 1, according to Ms Ziff.
Travelers will also be paying more. Average domestic fares at Christmastime so far are up 5%, to $349, according to travel sources.
American Express Travel found Los Angeles the No. 1 destination in the US, followed by Fort Lauderdale, Hawaii, New York and Miami.
The Transportation Security Administration is advising travelers not to wrap gifts. The TSA says consider shipping them in advance of a trip.
Other advice is to bring a quart-size zip-top bag with toiletries of three ounces or less inside any carry-on bags, and put larger liquid, gel or aerosol items in checked bags.
Report by David Wilkening
David
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