This holiday travel season could be one of the busiest ever, AAA warns

Whether you’re traveling by plane, train or car this holiday season, get ready — AAA says this could be one of the busiest ever, and there’s a chance we could see some snow in the mix here in New England.

Nationally, more than 122 million Americans are expected to travel between now and January 1 — a new record.

Road trips dominate holiday travel plans once again this year — making up about 89 percent of all travelers. Gas prices are helping — for the first time in four years, the national average dropped below $3 a gallon. And we’re already starting to see the impact on the roads here in Boston. The worst traffic is expected between 1 and 7 p.m. over the next couple of days, so your best bet is to hit the road before 10 in the morning.

Many will be flying to their holiday destinations, and that means gifts. NBC10 Boston consumer investigative reporter Bianca Beltran says you may want to hold on to the wrapping paper, though. Here’s what you need to know.

The crowds are forming at Logan Airport, too. Triple A expects a record 8 million Americans are flying domestically — the most ever for year end travel — even though the average plane ticket around the holiday’s costs nearly $900. The busiest flying days are coming up — just before Christmas and again right after New Year’s.

Travelers we talked to on Sunday said so far, so good.

“Got through fast. I’m glad I flew out on a Sunday because I think it’s going to get a lot worse right pretty soon,” said Ben Sando, who was traveling from Washington, D.C.

“I’m in shorts. I’m ready. I’ve got my shorts on. We’re from Texas so I came prepared,” said Michael Prochaska.

There were around 150 delays at Logan Airport on Sunday, as well as a handful of cancellations.

If you are flying out of Boston, give yourself extra time, check in online, and keep a close eye on your airline’s app — especially with that weather coming in Tuesday.

Mary Markos

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