Travelers on the Move Early for the Holidays
Low gas prices, and more confidence in flying have combined to encourage travelers to hit the road earlier for the holidays.
The Thanksgiving week has also expanded for many people who are taking extra time off work, and turning a four day weekend into a break of a week or more.
At the Santa Barbara airport those arriving from the frigid east coast were very happy to see Santa Barbara sun.
One traveler from New Jersey said she left early in the morning, there were seats open on her flight and she beat the rush.
After greeting her parents, Mary Breen said, “It is nice to see sunshine. I was below the snow in Buffalo, but the sunshine here is a nice welcome home.”
As for the upcoming vacation?
“Driving down to L.A. for Thanksgiving and going to the SC- Notre Dame game,”said Breen.
Airport officials tell us there have big loads, as they are called, over the next week.
Those flying internationally had a different challenge.
“It’s always a scary feeling to come through immigration in the U.S. since I am not a citizen, I have a green card. It’s still intimidating, ‘are they going to let you in or are they not?'” laughed Bengt Johannson who just flew in from Brazil.
One flyer who hasn’t been in a plane recently had to adjust to the boarding rules.
“Yea it is a big experience to get out there and go through security and not know what to do,” said Richard Arnold who made it to Santa Barbara from the Midwest with a relaxing story. “The flight was great, once you got on the plane!”
The Auto Club says freeway traffic is going to be heavy in many areas including Los Angeles with a combination of good weather and a good deal at the pumps. Gas prices have fallen below $3.00 a gallon at some stations, the lowest since 2008.
You are urged to be patient and courteous behind the wheel of a car, make sure it is maintained, and avoid driving with distractions in order to get to your destination safely and on time.
