The Sunday after Thanksgiving is the busiest travel day of the year.
The airports and roadways were filled with people trying to get back home from their holiday vacation. Passengers dealt with long lines and added security, but some travelers say they were prepared for the holiday rush.
"I know I have to prepare earlier..I have to get up earlier..So same of stuff I just have to wake up two hours earlier", said Ricci lopez, traveling from the Lansing Airport.
"They usually tell you two hours..And I was two-in-a half hours", said
Mark Mull, a passenger at the Lansing Airport.
"We are going to be at airports for hours..so its just a day of...move along with everybody else", said David Higbie, also traveling at the Lansing Aiport.
It doesn't matter where people were flying out of, the Sunday after Thanksgiving is the busiest travel day of the year. People are dealing with long lines at the ticket desk, and due to recent events, even longer lines to get through TSA.
"Things have definitely changed..they have upped security definitely for sure", said Mull.
50 million people headed home by car this year, but a significant number of travelers traded their wheels for wings. According to AAA, air travel is expected to be up 5 percent, or 3.9 million.
Some fliers, like David Higbie, are lookrf for ways to shave off even just a few minutes of the wait times.
"I have slip on shoes..Make sure all of my electronics are in one pouch..so easy in and out..try to make things smoother", said Higbie.
If you are planning to travel during the holidays, here are tips to make things go smoother.
Check your flight, no matter where you are going. If you're flying to or from somewhere warm the airplane picking you up could be coming from a snowy state.
Follow your airline on social media. Many airlines post the speediest updates to their twitter feeds.
If your flight ends up being canceled, don't only go to the ticket counter. Use an app on your smartphone to get the next flight for major airlines. You might be able to book another flight before you even reach the front of the ticket line.
And most important... get the the airport early.
"Basically its a time thing..early..get here early", said Higbie.
If people are looking for an alternative way to travel this holiday season, trains allow people to bring two 50-pound bags with them, making it easier to travel with Christmas gifts. You also avoid the crowded airports and roadways.
