SYRACUSE -- More than 92 million Americans are expected to hit the roads, rails, and board airlines for the Christmas and New Year's holidays.
Christmas Eve is Friday, and many Americans will begin traveling Thursday. The American Automobile Association says the 92.3 million travelers it projects will travel more than 50 miles or more from home represents an increase of 3.1 percent over last year.
"It's great to see so many Americans traveling this holiday season, especially since this is the fifth consecutive holiday period where AAA has projected a year-to-year increase," said Tom Chestnut, President/CEO of AAA Western and Central New York. "After a challenging year in 2009, pent-up demand has resulted in more Americans traveling in 2010, and the year-end holidays are no exception."
The auto club expects the majority of those travelers, 85.7 million will travel by car. A good way to get an idea of what you may face on the road before you travel is to head to the website of the New York State Department of Transportation. It has a section that will update you on road and traffic conditions, and also access to loads of traffic cameras not only in New York state but adjacent states as well.
A reminder if you are traveling by plane, make sure you allow plenty of time to deal with crowds at the airport as well getting through security. Your trip will go smoother if you know in advance what you can and can't take on a plane. We have a link for you to the Transportation Security Administration's web site. We also have a link the FAA's web site which can give you an idea of delays being experienced at airports around the country. Of course, its always advisable to check with the airline you are traveling to get the latest information on your flight status.
Hancock International Airport in Syracuse has echoed these reminders, and is asking passengers to arrive early enough to comfortably park, check in, get through security, and board their plane with plenty of time to spare.
Also, if you are traveling by rail, you can check on your train at Amtrak's web site or by calling 1-800-USA-RAIL.
Finally, Centro is reminding passengers that they will be operating buses on their holiday routes throughout Central New York. Here is this year's schedule:
CNY Centro: Onondaga County
Friday 12/24: Regular Service
Saturday 12/25: Sunday/Holiday Schedule
Sunday 12/26: Sunday/Holiday Schedule
Friday 12/31: Regular Service
Saturday 1/1: Sunday/Holiday Service
Sunday 1/2: Sunday/Holiday Service
Centro of Cayuga County
Friday 12/24: Regular Service
Saturday 12/25: Closed for the Holiday - No Service
Sunday 12/26: No Auburn City Service, Auburn - Syracuse routes on regular Sunday Schedule
Friday 12/31: Regular Service
Saturday 1/1: Closed for the Holiday - No Service
Sunday 1/2: No Auburn City Service, Auburn - Syracuse routes on regular Sunday schedule
Centro of Oswego County
Friday 12/24: Regular Service
Saturday 12/25: Closed for the Holiday - No Service
Sunday 12/26: Sunday Schedule
Friday 12/31: Regular Service
Saturday 1/1: Closed for the Holiday - No Service
Sunday 1/2: Sunday Schedule
Centro of Oneida County: Utica
Friday 12/24: Regular Service with No Evening Service
Saturday 12/25: No Service
Sunday 12/26: No Service
Friday 12/31: Regular Service with No Evening Service
Saturday 1/1: No Service
Sunday 1/2: No Service
Centro of Oneida County: Rome
Friday 12/24: Regular Service
Saturday 12/25: No Service
Sunday 12/26: No Service
Friday 12/31: Regular Service
Saturday 1/1: No Service
Sunday 1/2: No Service
