It’s that time of year again: the holiday rush has arrived and the chaos at LAX is in full swing. Whether you fly or drive, the message is clear: expect heavy traffic and long waits, both on the road and at the airport.
As the morning unfolded at LAX, the energy in the United Airlines terminal was palpable, with passengers buzzing with excitement, frustration and everything in between. The rush is real and it’s just beginning.
Among the travelers is Paul Hennessey from Los Angeles, who is going to Chicago with his dog. “She fits under the seat,” he said of his furry companion, who seems to enjoy the excitement. “She likes the hustle and bustle. She likes the excitement.”
The weather is an important factor in this holiday rush winter storm warnings issued for New YorkPennsylvania and Northwestern Ohio. Weather conditions could bring rain and snow on Christmas Day, and as of the morning, 67 flights from LAX have already been delayed, a number that has grown from 56 flights earlier in the day. That number was expected to grow even further. Click here to check the status of your flight.
By Sunday, drivers were already on the road, many traveling more than 50 miles as they navigated busy highways. Airport terminals are no different. There are long lines at security checkpoints, which millions of people are expected to pass through in the coming days.
AAA expects more than 100 million people will travel this holiday season, most of them by car. For those who fly, it’s a similar story. Millions of people are expected to travel through airports in the coming week, with December 27 and 30 being the peak travel days.