Holiday Travel

This Year a Record Breaker

AAA Mid-Atlantic is predicting that more than a million people in the Washington metro area will travel distances of 50 miles or more during the upcoming holiday season. That means a record number of 1,056,000 local residents will be on the move.

This year, Christmas Day and New Year's Day both fall on the weekend. Coupled with the fact that the legal holidays fall on two successive Fridays, it will trigger the greatest holiday travel boom in history, AAA Mid-Atlantic predicts. The forecast represents a 3.1 percent increase over last year's figures. It also represents the largest travel forecast in AAA's history.

Lon Anderson was online Tuesday, Dec. 21, at 2 p.m. ET to talk about what to expect on the roads and in the air.

A transcript follows.

Editor's Note: Washingtonpost.com moderators retain editorial control over Live Online discussions and choose the most relevant questions for guests and hosts; guests and hosts can decline to answer questions.

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Lon Anderson: Hello Everyone--I'm Lon anderson with AAA Mid-AtlanticThanks for joining me to talk holiday travel. We are projecting some big numbers--record numbers--both on the roads and in the air. Lots of challenges for holiday travelers, pus the possibility of rain on Thursday which can really complicate our already bad traffic. That said, let's get to your questions...

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Alexandria, Va.: Hi, I am traveling from Virginia to Connecticut on Thursday. We are leaving the D.C. area around noon. When do you expect traffic to be at its worst? Is this Thursday going to be similar to traveling the Wed. before Turkey day?

Lon Anderson: Hi Alexandria--Wish I had better news for you, but you've already called it. Thursday is likely to be a very busy day and could well be compared to the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, although maybe not as heavy since we have so many more days in the Christmas-New Years period. However, I would expect traffic to be terrible much of the day on Thursday with commuters, travelers, and shoppers all out and about. The earlier you can leave, the better--and there may be rain. Be safe, and good luck!

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Germantown, Md.: I've been driving to Richmond, Va. on Christmas morning for the past 15 years (or so) to visit my mother. I wanted to pass on a word of caution to those of you traveling on this day. The cops do not have the day off, and they are p**sed about it. DON'T RISK THE SPEEDING TICKET!!!

Lon Anderson: Hey Germantown--That sounds like the voice of experience speaking, but you are exactly right. This holiday period is the deadliest on our highways all year. some 820 lost their lives over the Christmas-New Year's holidays last year. So cops do not take the holidays off, they work overtime and are out in big numbers looking for bad driving and drunk driving. Best advice--driver very conservatively and what ever you do, do not drink and drive under any circumstance!! Be safe.

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Washington, D.C.: I driving to Boston for the holidays. Based on your traffic predictions. When is it best to leave: Wednesday night, Thursday morning, or Thursday afternoon?

Lon Anderson: Hello, Dc--You're lucky to have those travel-time options. I'd head out Wednesday evening after rush hour. Thursday will likely be bad much of the day, and there is a chance of rain on Thursday, which is a dangerous complication. Good luck and be careful!

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Washington, D.C.: Unfortunately I am not one of the many who get Friday off, yet I still wish to see family over the weekend as I haven't been about to in a couple of years. I need to travel from D.C. to the Virginia Beach area and was thinking about leaving late on the 24th (btwn 10-11 p.m.) to drive down. Do you think 95-64 will still be packed at that hour? Or should I try to get down via 17? I'm new to this area and have heard nightmares about holiday traffic. I get the feeling I'm going to be stuck in the thick of it Friday night and then coming back on Sunday.

Lon Anderson: Hello Washington, DC: Great Question--I would predict that leaving as late as you are should mean that you will be able to move well. I'd stick to the interstates at that time of night. Interstates are actually safer, better lit and offer more amenities. But please remember to be on guard with drowsy driving--tesns of thousands of crashes happen every year because of people driving drowsy. If you begin to feel tired, take it very seriously. Be safe.

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Frederick, Md.: I wish I had a dollar for every car that was being driven in the rain with no headlights on. It's also disgusting to see cars speeding on congested highways. Why are traffic violation fines so small? Most of these fines are pocket change to many drivers. When will law enforcement toughen up and jack up the fines? Thank you.

Lon Anderson: Hey Frederick--Boy, I'm with you. It's the law that when you have your wipers on your lights must be on, and that's throughout the DC area and in many other states. It's also the safe and common sense thing to do. Yet, every dreary rainy day, there are bunches of cars, often black, so you can barely see them with no lights. It's like having a death wish. I always have lights on when I drive--there are good studies that show a 22-24% decrease in crashes with light on in the daytime. And, every year, AAA lobbies to increase fines for serious offenses. The higher the fines, the more drivers will pay attention to the law. Great question!!

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Washington, D.C.: Hello. Do you think Dulles will be very crowded on Wednesday evening? Should I get to the airport more than 1 hour in advance of my flight?
Thanks!

Lon Anderson: Hey Washington, are you kidding. An hour ahead to Dulles? During Thanksgiving all the parking was gone, so if you drive there, you could spend two hours just parking. And with record number of travelers this holiday, Wednesday is sure to be very busy even though it's a day before the legal holiday on Friday. Security lines could take you an hour. I'd give it two hours or more, because if you miss your flight, you're probably not getting on another--they are all overbooked this holiday. Better to have reading time at the airport than to be out of luck missing your flight. Good Luck!

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Salisbury, Md.: I'll be heading to Dulles for a late evening flight Thursday. Unfortunately, timing requires that we hit the Beltway (coming from the Eastern Shore) a little before 5.

Will the hour it normally takes to get from the intersection of Route 50 and the Beltway to Dulles be anywhere near enough this particular Thursday evening? Thanks!;

Lon Anderson: Hey Salisbury--you really are masochistic. Hitting the Capital Beltway about 5pm. Thursday. Call the folks in the white coats!! Seriously, it could be very slow going. Not only would I expect the Beltway to be bad in MD, once you cross the river it could be really slow to the exit. While the Toll road will probably be crawling, you get to use the airport road which would move much faster. I'd add at least another 45 minutes over your normal hour, and hope that I'm wrong. Remember to leave plenty of time. For those who miss flights, your chances of getting on another are slim to none, given that all are likely overbooked this holiday, with record numbers projected to be flying and driving.

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Silver Spring, Md.: My mother-in-law will be traveling from Richmond to the area on Christmas day. What time of day would you advise her to travel for the speediest journey?

Lon Anderson: Hey Silver Spring--that depends on whether you want the Mother-in-law there in time for festivities or to miss them. If you want her there on time, I'd advise her to add an hour to her regular travel time from Richmond. The other part of the question you will have to answer...Happy holidays with your in-laws!

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Washington, D.C.: My mom back in Indiana is telling me Ohio is supposed to get 8-10 inches of snow tomorrow, which is when I'm driving home. I know you're not weather.com, but do you have any updates on how bad things shall be between here and the Midwest tomorrow?

Lon Anderson: No good info on the weather--but stay on top of it and please make sure your car is ready for that weather. Start with good tires--very good tread, and a strong battery. And make sure you have plenty of Windshield washer. an extra jug can really help ensure good visibility when the salt and slush start hitting the windshield. And please slow down and add distance between you and the vehicles in front of you. Remember, it's often the other drivers' actions that get you in trouble. be safe, and keep tuned to the weather.

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Arlington, Va.: What time of day will be best to take 495 and 95 north all the way through NJ on Thursday? Am I insane if I wait until after work?

Lon Anderson: Hey Arlington--Insane would be accurate if you leave during rush hour. Have a nice dinner, and head out later. But please don't drive drowsy. And remember, Thursday will probably be the busiest day on the road.

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Gaithersburg, Md.: I thought there were laws against having windshields dark tinted. Yet this is becoming a regular occurrence. What do these people have to hide? If I was a police officer, I would have my gun drawn by the time I got to the car. And people wonder why they are being picked on by the police!

Lon Anderson: Hello Gaithersburg--There are laws about tinted windshields and they vary state to state. In Maryland the rule is that the tinting on the side and back windows must allow at least 35% of light in. In VA, front side windows must allow at least 50% of the light in. If I were police, I would certainly be concerned approaching a car with very dark windows. Good point.

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Baltimore, Md. - Gifts: Hi,

My better half and I are having an argument about the best way to transport our gifts for Christmas - we have homemade chocolates, candles, bath salts, and soaps, and cookies. My plan was to wrap nothing, place the candles and salts (which are in clear containers) in Ziploc bags in the checked luggage, and carry the food as our carry on. He's convinced that unlabeled, non commercial powders are going to have me thrown into jail for the holiday (they're just salt, soap, and scented oils!) He suggests checking the food and carrying the other products - but last time this happened the food didn't survive.

What do you suggest, and if I am questioned, what should I say?

Also, I "should" have FedExed this whole kit and kaboodle, but it just wasn't possible this time.

Lon Anderson: Hi Baltimore--such a conundrum!! Remember that AAA membership includes bail-bond coverage! That said, I would suggest leaving the materials in their original packages and them putting them in baggies in your suit cases. I agree that loose powders could cause inspectors heart burn. Carrying on the food is probably a good idea. Best of luck. And remember to arrive very early at the airport and do not wrap any packages. Be safe.

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Washington, D.C.: Hi Lon. Thanks for your travel tips today. I think we'll need all the help we can get! Has any date this week been deemed the worst day to make that road trip out of town? Thanks.

Lon Anderson: Hello Washington--I'm declaring Thursday to be the busiest travel day on the roads, because it proceeds the legal holiday on Friday, although there will be many very busy days on the road this holiday season. Also, there is the possibility of rain.

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Chevy Chase, Md.: Driving back from NYC on Sunday after Xmas - what's the best time to leave? I say the earlier the better, my husband says the later the better. We want the least amount of traffic possible. Any insight?

Thanks!

Lon Anderson: Hi Chevy Chase--You win hands down. the earlier you leave Sunday the better. But Sunday will be a very busy travel day all day. But around DC Sunday evening it will likely be very busy with folks coming back in. I'd head out after breakfast and travel from the Big Apple shouldn't be too bad. I think your husband just wants to see the football games!

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Washington, D.C.: We're flying out of BWI early Christmas morning. Any word on whether there should still be parking spaces available in the lots and garages?

Thanks!

Lon Anderson: Hello Washington, DC--My advice for BWI is to arrive early and use one of the private satellite parking lots and take their shuttle buses in. They are cheaper, (and some offer a discount to AAA members) and they usually have space when closer in lots don't, but you need to add more time to use them. Good Luck, and be Safe!

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Arlington, Va.: Hey Lon,

How bad to you expect traffic to be on 12/26? Will it be like Thanksgiving Sunday or can I expect that a lot of folks will be staying put for extra days after the holiday weekend?

Lon Anderson: Hey Arlington--Sunday will probably be very busy, but not as bad as Sunday after Thanksgiving--as you suggested, many will be traveling on other days, since this is a far more spread out holiday than Thanksgiving. But look for it to still be plenty busy. We are projecting some 888,000 Washingtonians to be traveling by car this holiday--over a million in all when you include air and rail. This would be new records all around.

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Rockville, Md.: I will be traveling up to NY/Conn. on Thursday evening with a baby in tow -- do you expect this Thursday to be pre-Thanksgiving crazy or do you think it will be more spread out? I commute every morning and it appears the traffic has been less than normal all week! We're trying to best judge the right time to leave. Any thoughts?

Lon Anderson: Hey Rockville--See my other answers on this question. Late Thursday night might be good, but get well rested and stop frequently to avoid getting drowsy, which is a huge problem for driving late. And there may be rain so add extra time, and lot's of care. Be safe!

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Fairfax, Va.: I'm flying to Kiev, Ukraine out of Newark on Dec. 27. Do you think the customary two hours time before an international flight will be sufficient?

Lon Anderson: Just remember that regardless of the day, this whole holiday period will have extra heavy travel, and much longer security lines, so I'd add a little more time. Better to be early and relax, than push it and panic!

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Re: BWI parking: I flew out Thanksgiving morning and parked in the $10.00 a day garage, I think I was on level 7 or something. The $8.00 a day garage was already full. The buses are pretty frequent. Just remember to write on your ticket where you are (and take your ticket with you).

Lon Anderson: Hello RE BWI: Sounds like good advice, although the private satellite lots will charge about $8 with a AAA discount, and their shuttles are frequent, but that big new garage at BWI is very convenient!

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Washington, D.C.: We are driving from downtown D.C. to Richmond on Thursday afternoon/early evening. Any idea how traffic will be then?

Lon Anderson: Hey Washington, DC--Thursday afternoon has the potential of being gridlocked on 95. It's always bad here, but Thursday is the day before the legal holiday, so the roads will likely be clogged with commuters, shoppers, and travelers. Plus, they are calling for rain. And 95 on any holiday is always terrible. We are projecting some 880,000 local residents driving away on vacation, and a lot of them will be on the road with you Thursday. Good luck and I'd try to leave earlier or much later. Be safe!

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Frederick, Md.: Could you remind us what type of emergency kit we should carry in our cars in case of bad weather? Thanks for the chat!

Lon Anderson: Hey Frederick--That's a good AAA type of question. We recommend:
Extra windshield wiper fluid, small shovel brush and scraper, blanket, flashlight with extra batteries, first aid kit, flares or reflective triangles, jumper cables, cell phone, and a bag of sand or non-clumping kitty litter for traction. Also, please make sure that your car is ready for the trip. Tires, batteries and belts are all critical. Be safe!

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Anonymous - re: DCA: What to expect Friday morning flying from National? Can I be my usual late-running self? flying through Atlanta, anything to be aware of there?

Lon Anderson: Hey anonymous. Nope-- Can't run late on Friday from National unless you were planning to spend Friday at home. With virtually all flights fully booked or over booked, if you miss yours, the airlines will try to help you, but likely all of the other flights after yours will be over booked so you may be stuck. Be brave, give it some time this once, it won't hurt too bad.

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Arlington, Va.: I'm flying out of Reagan National on Christmas eve on a 4 p.m. AirTran flight. I know it will be busy so I'm doing what I can to minimize my stress. To that end, (and after reading Sunday's travel tip about the lack of parking spaces at National) I made sure to arrange a ride to the airport, and I'm packing light so I don't have to check luggage. However, then I remembered that I'm flying on an E-ticket, which means there is no getting around the dreaded check-in counter…or is there? Does AirTran have an E-ticket machines at National? If not, is there any other way to avoid what I know will be a check-in line from hell?

Lon Anderson: Hello Arlington--bad news--no E ticket machines at National for AirTran, according to my expert who just called there for you. But since it's a small airline, the lines are not as bad and it's in Terminal A, which is the smallest, so typically it is not as crowded, but then it's Christmas. Good Luck.

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Washington, D.C.: I'm flying out of Dulles Thursday morning at 7:15 a.m. I'd planned to get there around 5:00 a.m. so I can find parking, get to the terminal, check in before it gets too busy. But now I'm worried I won't be able to find a space at all! What do you think the chances of that are? Are there any alternative parking places by Dulles?

Lon Anderson: Hey DC--Thursday will likely be the busiest day, and parking that A.M. will be tight. They were predicting running out of parking on Thanskgiving. You are very early, so you may be all right, but you might consider getting an airport shuttle and saving yourself the whole parking hassle. Good luck!

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McLean, Va.: Hey, I just wanted to gush for a second. I just flew flyi (Independence Air?) and they were wonderful! I really hope they don't go out of business. My flight was delayed (weather), so when the plane was about to pull up, flyi put out an announcement to let us know to come to the gate. I don't know if that's standard procedure, but I've never had it happen before. Besides that, all of the attendants were so nice - I'm definitely flying them again.

Lon Anderson: Hey McLlean --We've heard good things too. Thanks for the input!!

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Help, please!: I am begging, pleading with you to answer! How early should I arrive at Dulles for my noon flight on Friday the 24th? Thank you!

Lon Anderson: Hello, Help Please. My AAA travel agent sitting beside me says the following: Be there by 9:30 -10 and bring a good book. Better to get there, get parking and get through security and get coffee than to stress with everybody else at the last minute. Good luck!

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Alexandria, Va.: Will it be better to fly out of Dulles on the 24th? Less crowded? Please tell me how early I should arrive for a noon flight! Much, much appreciated!

Lon Anderson: Alexandria--If you haven't booked yet, my travel agent says you may need a lot of religion to get there, because tickets are in very short supply. Dulles on Friday will be very crowded. 2 to 2 and a half hours ahead is our best advice. Good luck and say your prayers.

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Arlington, Va.: I have a 6:30 flight out of National on Thursday. Am I going to need more than two hours for check-in and security?

Lon Anderson: Arlington--less crowded if its 6:30 a.m., more crowded if p.m. Still the 2-2and half hours is our recommendation. Good luck.

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Reston, Va.: I am flying to N.H. I know you cannot wrap gifts that you are carrying on board with you. What about wrapping gifts that are checked under the plane?

Lon Anderson: Reston--those wrapped presents in your checked luggage should be OK -- they will be X-rayed. Good luck.

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Lon Anderson: Thanks so much everyone, this has been great. Have a great and safe holiday, and thanks for all of your questions and interest. Till next time...

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