Local drivers, flyers navigate holiday travel rush – Action News Jax

JACKSONVILLE, FL — As the holiday season kicks into high gear, millions of people take to the streets and skies.

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Freda Davis was traveling from Jacksonville to Charlotte on Friday and spoke with Action News Jax at Jacksonville International Airport. Earlier in the afternoon, Davis had three of her flight delays.

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“We were supposed to leave at 1:00 pm, it was 2:00 pm, and now it’s 3:00 pm,” Davis said.

The AAA expects about 113 million people nationwide to travel more than 50 miles and 7.2 million to fly.

Flight delays and cancellations are dependent on holiday travel plans.

“Hopefully I can go home,” said Davis.

Denise Marucci took a flight from Houston to Jacksonville on Friday.

read: Local Jack’s Beach Church opens its doors to keep homeless warm during Arctic blast

“I had no idea what the roads were going to look like,” Marucci said. “It was really cold in Houston, so I wanted to make sure we got there.

According to AAA, about 102 million people are expected to drive this holiday season, including 5.8 million in Florida.

Christy Stone and her family are driving to Maryland.

“We were monitoring it, so we actually delayed the trip by a day,” Stone said. “We are going to meet the family.”

The Stones are trying to avoid the worst of the bad weather that hits the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic.

read: Prepare Your Home for Subzero Temperatures in Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia

“We’re going to stop in North Carolina, wait for the worst to pass, and hopefully head out tomorrow,” Stone said.

Nationwide, drivers can experience up to 25% more travel time.

David Esposito says he won’t be traveling this holiday season, but he has a few words for those planning to.

“Put your phone down and see where you’re driving,” said Esposito.

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Friday December 23rd, December 27th and December 28th are expected to be the busiest days on the roads.