Busy Thanksgiving travel season has arrived
EUGENE - The Thanksgiving holiday travel rush is here. According to AAA, air travel is up, and more Americans are expected to take to the skies this season.
We checked in at the Eugene Airport on Tuesday and found most flights were on time and met dozens of passengers who were heading out early to be with family and friends for Thanksgiving.
Busy ticket counters, a line at the security checkpoint and a full baggage claim carousel, these are some of the tell tale signs that Thanksgiving travel is underway.
And no one is more excited than those heading out for the holiday. According to AAA, more than 4.7 million Americans are expected to take to the skies. In Eugene, we found dozens of passenger flying out the Tuesday before Thanksgiving to minimize the hassle.
"It was just easier to get out today. There weren't as many crowds, easier with kids to travel, it's just too much on Thanksgiving with all the crowds," said Anne Marie Levis who is travelling to San Jose, California.
Officials at the Eugene airport expect nearly 8,000 passenger to travel through their facility during the Thanksgiving holiday and many passengers we spoke to say they're checking in early to beat the rush.
"I'm actually from Chicago originally so it's always a habit of mine to show up super early,"said Belinda Dobbins who is travelling to Spokane, Washington.
"For us it make sense, we don't arrive until 11:00 tomorrow morning so we came so we could check in early and have dinner and then head out," said Carol Marusich who is travelling to Marquette, Michigan.
Many say the strategy is paying off. "I came in from Washington, D.C. three days ago. Smooth travelling, Atlanta, Salt Lake City and so far no delays. I've been very fortunate, said Robert Smith who is travelling to Seattle.
And while air travel in Eugene seems to be going well, Jean Tollis, a Sacramento traveller who is visiting family is Eugene has one request, "Now if you can get my luggage for me, we'll be all set."
The day before Thanksgiving is expected to be the second busiest travel day of the Thanksgiving season. If you're heading out to the airport, officials suggest arriving at least two hours before your flight.
We checked in at the Eugene Airport on Tuesday and found most flights were on time and met dozens of passengers who were heading out early to be with family and friends for Thanksgiving.
Busy ticket counters, a line at the security checkpoint and a full baggage claim carousel, these are some of the tell tale signs that Thanksgiving travel is underway.
And no one is more excited than those heading out for the holiday. According to AAA, more than 4.7 million Americans are expected to take to the skies. In Eugene, we found dozens of passenger flying out the Tuesday before Thanksgiving to minimize the hassle.
"It was just easier to get out today. There weren't as many crowds, easier with kids to travel, it's just too much on Thanksgiving with all the crowds," said Anne Marie Levis who is travelling to San Jose, California.
Officials at the Eugene airport expect nearly 8,000 passenger to travel through their facility during the Thanksgiving holiday and many passengers we spoke to say they're checking in early to beat the rush.
"I'm actually from Chicago originally so it's always a habit of mine to show up super early,"said Belinda Dobbins who is travelling to Spokane, Washington.
"For us it make sense, we don't arrive until 11:00 tomorrow morning so we came so we could check in early and have dinner and then head out," said Carol Marusich who is travelling to Marquette, Michigan.
Many say the strategy is paying off. "I came in from Washington, D.C. three days ago. Smooth travelling, Atlanta, Salt Lake City and so far no delays. I've been very fortunate, said Robert Smith who is travelling to Seattle.
And while air travel in Eugene seems to be going well, Jean Tollis, a Sacramento traveller who is visiting family is Eugene has one request, "Now if you can get my luggage for me, we'll be all set."
The day before Thanksgiving is expected to be the second busiest travel day of the Thanksgiving season. If you're heading out to the airport, officials suggest arriving at least two hours before your flight.
