AAA: Holiday Travelers Expected To Top 2 Million

BALTIMORE (WJZ)--The holiday travel rush is on! More than two million Marylanders are expected to hit the road or fly this holiday season, which would set a new record!

WJZ's Rick Ritter has what you need to know if you're heading out over the next few days.

Long lines, bags ready to go and a bit of the Christmas spirit.

BWI is a familiar spot for many around the holidays.

According to Airlines for America, the airport is expected to be one of busiest in the country this season, falling inside the top 25.

Despite heightened security across the country, its not enough to ruin Jeff King's Christmas, who's traveling to Vegas.

On the road, 91 percent of Maryland travelers are expected to drive to their destination, an increase from last year.

Ragina Averella with AAA says about 2.2 million Marylanders will travel 50 miles or more.

The good news: the average for gas prices nationwide is officially below $2.00

"We have an improving economy and most importantly, very low gas prices compared to last years," said Averella.

Chris Lake is on his way to New Hampshire for his yearly Christmas tradition.

"They actually make an ice rink in the front yard and we play a little ice hockey, that's always fun," says Lake.

But he says he isn't taking any chances with traffic or the weather.

"We're actually leaving at 5 a.m., so we're trying to get out early and beat the traffic," said Lake.

AAA says if you're hitting the road the best time to leave is tomorrow and Friday is before sunrise, around 5-6 a.m. and after 11:00 at night.

According to AAA, travel by bus, train and boat for the holidays is expected to increase in Maryland as well.