Hustle and bustle of holiday travel begins

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Friday, December 21, 2018
Holiday travel in full gear at Philadelphia airport
Holiday travel in full gear at Philadelphia airport. Annie McCormick reports during Action News at Noon on December 21, 2018.

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- The lines at Philadelphia International Airport are getting longer as the busy holiday travel days begin.

"Typically we screen about 30,000 people a day. Thursday, Friday, and next Wednesday we'll see about 40,000 people," Gary Renfrow, Security Director TSA Philadelphia, said.

The roadways are clogging up with commuters, shoppers and travelers combined.

Messy holiday travel at Philadelphia International Airport. Katherine Scott reports during Action News Mornings on December 21, 2018.

"Things are going to be crazy busy traffic, and could intensify two to three, up to four, times of what it typically is on our major roadways - 95, Schuylkill, the Blue Route," said Jana Tidwell of AAA.

Tidwell says the travel weekend has already started and will extend through Christmas.

"AAA is expecting record travel volume for the year-end holidays. For many people, today is their getaway day, however things are compounded greatly by the weather we'll experience through tomorrow," Tidwell said.

The lines at Philadelphia International Airport are getting longer as reported by Christie Ileto during Action News at 11 on December 20, 2018.

If you're flying and feeling generous and "bringing gifts, don't bring them wrapped," added Renfrow.

Remember liquids get checked, solids can stay in the carry-on and you can always beat the crowds by enrolling in pre-check.

"We do pre-check. There were some lines, but we got to skip them for the most part," said Sarah Hogan of Minneapolis.

The one factor we can't control is the weather.

"Every mode of travel is going to be affected by this rain and these heavy winds," added Tidwell.

Hustle and bustle of holiday travel begins. Maggie Kent reports during Action News at 4:30 p.m. on December 20, 2018.

Governor Tom Wolf also put out a notice about possible flooding, especially on the roadways that, of course, can cause delays in the skies and cancellations.

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