Navigating Holiday Journeys in North Carolina: What Storm Delays Mean for Your Travel Plans and Essential Tips for Road and Air Adventures

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) — Intense storms created disruptions this weekend for travel, resulting in considerable flight delays nationwide.

At Raleigh-Durham International Airport, there were 135 delays and cancellations reported on Sunday.

From December 21 to January 1, AAA predicted that 3.5 million residents of North Carolina will travel 50 miles or more by car, airplane, or another form of transport. This is 117,000 more travelers than last year.

Debbie Haas, the travel vice president for AAA — The Auto Club Group, recommended obtaining travel insurance, which aids in case winter weather or unforeseen issues disrupt your arrangements.

Here is what to be aware of before embarking on the journey or proceeding to the airport:

Traveling by Road

Road travel is projected to set a fresh record in the Tar Heel state. Over 3.2 million residents of North Carolina are expected to take a road trip of 50 miles or more, according to AAA. This marks an increase of 92,000 roadtrippers compared to last year.

Based on AAA’s findings, 91% of holiday travelers will drive to their destinations, establishing it as the preferred method of travel.

“Many travelers, especially families with small children, favor the flexibility and cost-effectiveness that road trips offer,” Tiffany Wright, spokesperson for AAA – The Auto Club Group, stated in a news release. “Gas demand tends to decline in December as temperatures drop, more individuals work from home, and holiday shoppers opt for online purchases instead of in-person shopping.”

Optimal and suboptimal times for road travel

Monday, Dec. 30
Best: Before 2 p.m.
Worst: 5 p.m – 7 p.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 31
Minimal traffic impact is anticipated.

Wednesday, Jan. 1
Minimal traffic impact is anticipated.

Thursday, Jan. 2
Best: Before 3 p.m.
Worst: 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

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Safety Recommendations

• Adhere to posted speed limits: As per AAA, speeding may seem faster but often results in accidents and tragedies.

• Drive when you are fully awake: According to AAA, operating a vehicle after four or five hours of sleep is equally as risky as driving with a 0.08 BAC. The risks double with under four hours of sleep. Also avoid late-night drives, heavy meals, drowsy medications, and alcohol.

• Decelerate and move to the side: According to AAA, a roadside worker is fatally injured every week throughout the country. All 50 states and the District of Columbia have enacted Move Over laws.

Traveling by Air

An estimated 7.9 million Americans are set to take at least one domestic flight during this holiday season, according to AAA. This figure exceeds the prior record of 7.5 million air travelers last year.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) forecasts screening nearly 40 million individuals this holiday season. December 30 and Friday will be among the busiest days.

Flight costs have risen by 4% compared to last year, as per AAA’s booking data. The average cost for a domestic ticket is $830, while international flights have increased by 13%, averaging $1,630 per ticket.

Holiday Travel Recommendations

• Allow additional driving time: Roads are notably congested during the late afternoon and early evening hours.

• Reserve parking online: Travelers can secure parking here to guarantee entry into their chosen lot. Reservations can be made at least 24 hours in advance. In the absence of a reservation, check the homepage for available parking decks and lots.

• Arrive at the airport ahead of time: RDU suggests that travelers show up two hours prior for domestic flights and three hours for international ones. This provides ample opportunity to park, check in, and complete security procedures. Airlines generally start boarding approximately 30 to 40 minutes before takeoff.

• Get ready for security: You can examine what is permitted at the TSA checkpoint here.

• Utilize the cell lot: If you are retrieving someone from the airport, you can take advantage of RDU’s complimentary cell lot located at 1000 Trade Drive and wait until they notify you their flight has arrived. Allow about 30 minutes for them to deplane and collect their luggage before meeting you at the curbside. Additionally, you can pick up travelers at either the arrivals or departures curb.

• Verify delays and cancellations at RDU here