Thanksgiving travel: Passengers hit LAX, drivers enjoy cheaper gas
LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- People traveling through Los Angeles International Airport on Wednesday saw minimal delays on what's considered one of the busiest travel days of the year. Meanwhile, other travelers are hitting the road to take advantage of cheaper gas prices.
As of midday, LAX officials said there were 15 flight delays - most of which were due to winter weather in areas including Philadelphia, Minneapolis, New Jersey and New York. No matter your destination, airport officials advise travelers to check their flight status ahead of time.
Wednesday morning was surprisingly mellow at LAX.
"I'm going to be waiting for two and a half hours for my flight. But last year, it was lucky I got here three hours ahead because the line outside to check baggage was two blocks," said Cynara Allison of Manhattan Beach.
But while many LAX passengers found themselves with some time to kill, airport officials warn not to let your guard down. There are backups expected Wednesday, especially in the afternoon and evening with severe weather on the East Coast and Midwest already causing hundreds of delays and cancellations at other airports.
There is also construction work at LAX, so make sure to give yourself plenty of time to navigate it.
Another tip - make sure you check your luggage for liquids and anything else that's prohibited.
"A lot of people want to bring their entire Thanksgiving meal through the security check point. So the guidance is, you can bring your turkey, you can bring your pie, you can bring your stuffing, but things like gravy and cranberry sauce aren't allowed through the security check point because obviously, it falls under the liquid category," said Nico Melendez, a TSA agent.
While the hassles can be many during the Thanksgiving travel period, passengers say it's all worth it.
"You want to be with family and celebrate Thanksgiving and thank God for everything, so you just want to be with family," said Sharon Elliott of South Gate.
In addition to the handful of flight delays Wednesday, there was also a minor security incident at LAX. An Airsoft gun was confiscated from a passenger's luggage. That passenger was cited and released. He apparently told officials that the gun was a prop he planned to use in a comedy act and that he forgot that it was inside his luggage. The incident did not disrupt travel for other passengers or cause any delays.
Travel may not have been hectic before turkey day, but the long weekend is not over yet. The biggest rush of passengers is expected Sunday into Monday.
Thanksgiving drivers enjoy cheaper gas
For those travelling by car, the average price per gallon $3.11 right now. At this time last year, it was $3.59, and the year before that, it was $3.80.
It's making all the difference in whether some people decide to leave town.
The California Highway Patrol will be out on maximum patrol from 6 p.m. Wednesday to midnight Sunday.
Across Southern California, 3.5 million people are projected to take trips over the Thanksgiving holiday, according to the Automobile Club of Southern California. This figure marks a 3.8-percent increase from last year.
For the entire state, the Auto Club says 5.65 million people are projected to take trips over the holiday weekend. The Auto Club attributed this to lower gas prices and improved personal finances.
For both Southern California and the state, 85 percent of travelers are expected to drive while 11 percent will fly.
