AAA predicts 11.7 million Californians will be traveling during the end-of-the-year holiday season…up 1.8% from last year.
"This is pretty significant because these are the highest recorded numbers of travelers that we have seen."
Cynthia Harris with AAA attributes the increase to consumer
optimism.
She says about 10 million Californians will be driving: up
1.4% from last year; and more than 950,000 Californians will be
flying: up 4.4% from last year.
"If you're going to be one of these travelers, expect to
find very congested airports especially the days before Christmas
and also the days right after New Year's."
Harris says Californians who fly will pay an average of $203
per round trip ticket for the top U.S. air routes - that's a
decrease of 3% from last year.
Sacramento International Airport officials say the busiest
days at the airport are today through Sunday, December
23rd.
If you're flying out of Sacramento, they suggest arriving
two-hours early to allow time for any possible problems.