GREENVILLE, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – If you plan on traveling this week for the holidays, plan for delays. Our next weathermaker could have a major impact on the roads and the skies.
Santa has no problems when traveling the sky with the help of his flying reindeer and magic sleigh. With the wind and snow being predicted, you’ll be wishing you had your very own when traveling as well.
“As the forecasters are starting to get more specific, we’re probably going to get more inquiries as that time approaches,” said Rose Gray, business relationship director at Fox World Travel.
According to AAA, about 72,000 more Wisconsinites will travel for year-end holidays this year, compared to last. This would make it the third highest on record from the travel period in Wisconsin.
“We are seeing an increase in holiday traffic this week and into next week for sure,” said Abe Weber, director at Appleton International Airport.
Weber says the airport is expecting to see at least a 25% increase in holiday traffic this year.
“We’re prepared. We’re excited to see the travelers coming back.”
“Our staff do pay close attention to the weather,” said Weber. “Our snow teams are ready; they’re standing by to make sure that planes can land and take off as they need.”
“I hate to sound like the mother,” said Gray, “but the best advice is to get to the airport early.”
Gray says there are many ways people can prepare for busy holiday travel, in a snowstorm or not.
“Don’t carry wrapped packages with you,” said Gray. “That’s just going to hold you up in TSA. They may have to unwrap them, and then you’ll have to rewrap them and all that kind of thing.”
In Wisconsin, over 2 million residents will take at least one holiday road trip.
The most congested days on the road are forecast to be Friday before Christmas, Dec. 27 and 28, and on Jan. 2. INRIX predicts the single busiest travel day will be Dec. 27.
The best advice for avoiding congestion is to leave early in the morning or later in the evening.
AAA also recommends:
Leave early so you are not in a rush.
Watch the weather. Consider alternate routes or adjust your departure time to avoid driving through bad weather.
Never drive distracted. Pre-program your GPS and put the cellphone down while driving.
Wear your seat belt and never drive impaired.
Airfares cost 6% more than last year. The lowest round trip airfare costs $163 vs $154 in 2021.
Hotels cost 5% more than 2021. A mid-range AAA Three Diamond property costs $167 per night vs $160 last year.
Car Rentals cost 19% less. The average daily rate is $105 vs $130 last year
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