With Christmas and New Year’s Day falling on Sundays, higher than normal travel volume is likely on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. Travelers will also notice busy roads and airports at the end of this work week, especially Friday.
C. Douglas Hartmayer, director of public affairs for the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority (NFTA), says it’s going to be a strong season for travel at the Buffalo-Niagara International Airport, with Friday and Saturday being the busiest.
“This week’s volume at the airport will be heavier than normal, with the peak days being the last few before the holiday. Travelers should arrive approximately 90 minutes prior to departure and have properly prepared their carry-on bags to ensure there are no prohibited items inside and have followed the 3-1-1 regulations for carrying toiletries on board.” Hartmayer expects upwards of 13,000 passengers to pass through the terminal each day – totaling nearly 96,000 for the week.
Jennifer Hanrahan, assistant director & marketing/public relations at Greater Rochester International Airport, expects air travel in Rochester to be strong as well and advises travelers to give themselves plenty of time. “We’re urging travelers to arrive at least 90 minutes ahead of their scheduled departure time,” she said. “Especially those with early morning flights between 4:30 a.m. and 8 a.m., when many flights depart ROC.”
Hanrahan also advises those flying to check with the TSA for information on how to pack holiday gifts—you don’t want to get stuck in security with a present that’s not allowed! Also, limit the amount of jewelry you wear and have your I.D. and boarding pass handy.
The majority of travelers will drive to their destinations. If you’re hitting the road to get to grandma’s house this week, you might notice that gas prices are up a few cents – but still much cheaper than years past. The national average is $2.24, while the NYS average is $2.43. Last year on this day, the NYS average was $2.27 and in 2014 it was $2.92. The Buffalo average is $2.38; Rochester $2.37, according to the AAA Daily Fuel Gauge Report as of Monday.
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