COLUMBIA, S.C. — Whether you’re hitting the road or catching a flight, officials recommend you pack your patience this Thanksgiving holiday season, as the roads and airports are expected to be filled with travelers.
“From garage to gate, we are wanting to do everything we can to make it efficient and easy,” aid Kim Crafton, the Vice President of Marketing and Air Service at the Columbia Metropolitan Airport.
The holiday season has arrived and Crafton says the airport is expecting large crowds.
“There are going to be longer lines at ticket counters, longer lines at TSA, so with that, also prepare, just make sure that you're here early. It's always better to be waiting at the gate for your flight than to be waiting in the TAS line, and you're having to run to get to your gate, so just prepare,” she said.
Airport officials say the number of passengers flying through CAE has increased significantly throughout the years, with a new record expected to be set this year, this could make lines a bit longer.
“In 2019 we saw 1.3 million passengers through the airport, and this year, in 2024 we're on track right now to beat that and see around potentially 1.4 million passengers through through the airport. it's a significant increase so just know that there are going to be a lot of other people looking to fly out this holiday season as well,” Crafton said.
And if you’re planning on driving instead of flying, the South Carolina Highway Patrol says you can expect crowds as well.
“Of course, our interstates will be busy and packed. I-20, I-26, I-77, I-95, I-85 and whatever roadways that you're taking, just please, keep your eyes on the road. Do not drive distracted, wear your seat belt. Don't drink and drive, and reduce your speed,” Sgt. Tyler Tidwell said.
The Highway Patrol reminds drivers of important state laws that could help relieve potential congestion on the roads.
“We also have what's called a left lane law. If vehicles are traveling faster that are behind you, we want you to just make sure that you move over and let them pass that way it doesn't create a traffic disturbance or hinder traffic that's behind you,” Tidwell said.
If you find yourself in an accident, highway patrol recommends the following.
“If you are involved in the collision and if there's no injuries, state law says that you move your vehicle out of the roadway. Now, before you do that, we do want to recommend that you take pictures, videos, whatever, just to have that as evidence, but you can also move it off the roadway,” Tidwell said.
To ensure a safe holiday season, highway patrol urges drivers not to drink and drive
“They want to see you come back for the next holiday and the next holiday afterwards so don't drink and drive. You can call uber, you can call a Lyft, taxi, call a friend, co worker, whoever. Just don't make that poor decision,” Tidwell said.
According to AAA, national travel numbers are expected to set new records with an estimated 79.9 million travelers this year, that’s 1.7 million more people than the previous record set last year.