A record-breaking number of New Englanders are expected to travel for the year-end holidays, according to statistics from AAA.
AAA estimates 4.5 million residents will travel this year, an increase of more than 2 percent over the last year. Almost 90 percent of them are expected to drive to their destinations, despite higher gas prices. The average price for a gallon of gas in Connecticut is $2.6, up 27 cents from last year.
Another 401,000 are expected to fly for the holidays, an increase of 5 percent from last year and the most in more than 10 years.
Nationally, AAA estimates that 107.3 million Americans will travel during the holiday period – 97.4 on the roads and 6.4 million by air. There are also 3.6 million expected to take trains, buses and cruises – up 2.2 percent from last year.
Bradley International Airport issued a warning to travelers to expect heavy travel starting this week and through the New Year’s holiday. Officials estimate the airport will be 10 to 15 percent busier than normal.
Passengers traveling domestically are advised to allow themselves at least 90 minutes for check-in with their respective airlines and processing through the TSA screening. Those traveling internationally should give themselves three hours. Bradley also encourages travelers to check the status of their flight with their airline before heading to the airport.
