Dec 22, 2007 6:03 pm US/Central
Airline Delays & Gas $ Don't Deter Texas Travelers
DFW AIRPORT (CBS 11 News) ―
It's one of the busiest travel weekends of the year. Drivers are facing record gas prices, and delays have stalled some of the nation's busiest airports, but that news isn't keeping North Texans stuck at home.
Many people at DFW International Airport are facing delays. As of 6 p.m. Saturday the airport monitors reflected dozens of delayed flights and for passengers that meant a holiday headache.
Whether your holiday travel is by car or you plan on taking a plane to your destination, plan on packing some patience. Tabatha Warden's almost out of hers. "I think this is our fourth flight today, to miss," she said. "I'm exhausted. I'm so ready to get out of here."
Warden is one of 5.2 million Texans expected to travel during the upcoming holidays.
While Warden kept the faith about her chances of making it to her destination, there was no such luck for some travelers. "We missed out connection to Wichita, which was the only connection to get in today – because they're having a blizzard there," said traveler Helen Sheehy, "Now we're going to the hotel."
Many delays are due to overbooking as well as bad weather in other states. Nevertheless, AAA is predicting a rise in air travel this holiday season, compared to last.
Gas prices are also on the rise, keeping many would-be vacationers home. "The prices are outrageous. I work in Fort Worth and it was one price and by the time I got to Grand Prairie it had jumped," said Ella Haller, who lives in Arlington.
While some people said no to any type of holiday travel, Jacob Jones said yes to taking his very first airplane flight, even if it comes at a hectic time. "I'm really nervous," he said.
If your heading out to the airport you can save time by making sure you don't get hung up at security check points. Take off your shoes, don't have carryon holiday gifts wrapped, and follow the 3-1-1 Rule of carrying on no more than three ounces of liquid or gel in a one quart clear or plastic container.
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