Travel Picks Up For Holiday Season
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- The holiday travel rush is only a few days away, and this year it will be bigger and busier than it has been in years.
Lauren Watry will drive five hours round trip for Thanksgiving dinner with her family. Travel is expensive, but for Watry, it is Important for the holiday.
"It's hard to get anywhere without having to pay too much," said Watry, a college student trying to save money.
Even with gas prices in the city cracking $3.00 a gallon for the first time since 2008, AAA says the number of people expected to travel will increase this year.
AAA says more than 42 million people will travel at least 50 miles for Thanksgiving, including about 470,000 from here in Philadelphia. That is up 11.6 percent from last year. But it is still far short of the 58 million people who traveled in 2005.
"I think for some people, the high costs are making them cut back on travel," said Pat McLoone.
While most people this season will travel by car, AAA says rail travel is on the rise as well as a hassle free option.
"It's quick," said Mike Clear. "You don't have to deal with driving or the airport and you can get work done."
At Philadelphia International Airport, the security lines stretches back from the screeners, as passengers get ready to board their flight.
"I've never had an issue with security," said Sarah Broker, on her way to Kalamazoo, Michigan. "It looks a little crazy today, but I have time."
And with a busy holiday season ahead, coupled with the newest security measures, the line and the wait will only get longer.
Passengers now have to go through full body scanners that see through clothing. The screening only takes a few seconds, but passengers who refuse the scan have to go through a complete pat down that many believe goes too far.
Michelle Mchale will fly to St. Lucia after Thanksgiving. She says the added security is a part of flying.
"I have to do a lot of flying, so I can't complain."
The TSA has dedicated its website to making the security check easier for passengers, offering reminders about what to do and warnings about what to expect.
But for some, the security and the lines are too much.
"It's just easier to travel on the train," said John Karasek.
Reported By: Oren Liebermann, CBS 3
