Experts Advise Holiday Travelers To Stay Safe And Travel Smart

Today is the busiest travel day of the year with airports and highways across the country packed with travelers.

AAA estimates that nearly 49 million people will be traveling at least 50 miles this weekend.

With so many travelers on the highways, here are some things to think about before hitting the road.

“So you should be expecting busy roadways out there, said AAA Spokesperson, Gene LaDoucer. “Be prepared for delays. Practice some patience and watch for the road conditions.”

Triple A is finding some travelers are taking advantage of the low gas prices, choosing to drive and stay close to home.

“We’re seeing a lot of people driving,” explained LaDoucer. “This is a holiday period that’s only five days in length and kids need to get back to school so they’re not traveling great distances in the automobile but some of them are flying to their destinations.”

If your holiday travel plans take you through Hector Airport this weekend, there are some travel tips you may want to consider.

“We always do recommend to plan to get to the airport at least 30 minutes to an hour before you would fly any other time of year,” said travel agent, Patty Auka.  “Usually in Fargo, people will usually get to the airport an hour and a half to an hour before your flight, you definitely want to be getting there two hours, hour and a half.”

Winter weather could delay or cancel your flight, so Auka suggests contact your carrier before heading to the airport.

She also says that extra crowds at the airports can make wait times at security longer.

AAA says that nearly 90 percent of travelers this weekend will arrive at their destinations by car.