The holiday rush in Philadelphia is shaping up to be the busiest travel day of the season, with AAA Mid-Atlantic forecasting nearly 1.4 million commuters heading out.
Road Travel Expectations
AAA Mid-Atlantic reports that about 1.2 million travelers will be driving to their holiday destinations, while approximately 93,000 are expected to make their way to airports. Jana Tidwell of the motor club told NBC10’s Lili Zheng that the club anticipates record-setting travel volume across the country, and Philadelphia is no exception. “Triple A is expecting record travel volume across the country and Philly is no different,” Tidwell said.
Airport Traffic and TSA Lines
At about 6:30 a.m. on Tuesday, the Philadelphia International Airport reported smooth movement through the terminal, with only a roughly 20-minute wait for TSA lines. No flights had been canceled, but seven flights had experienced delays by 7:15 a.m.
Expert Travel Tips
Tidwell advised commuters to travel during off-peak times to reduce congestion. “If you could hit the road before ten this morning or later this evening, you’ll see the least impact in terms of traffic,” she said. She added that traffic patterns would shift as the day progressed: “We will see this ebb and flow throughout the day.”
Key Takeaways
- Nearly 1.4 million Philadelphia commuters expected to travel this holiday season.
- 1.2 million drivers and 93,000 airport travelers are projected.
- TSA lines remain short, with only a 20-minute wait reported early in the morning.
- Off-peak travel before 10 a.m. or after 7 p.m. is recommended to avoid traffic spikes.
The day’s traffic is set to ebb and flow, but with careful timing and early planning, commuters can navigate the holiday rush with fewer delays.
