BALTIMORE — Millions of Americans were expected to hit the roads and planes this week to celebrate Independence Day. That includes 1.5 Million Marylanders Head for Summer Trips.
BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport was quiet and free of any cancellations or delays on Thursday. Passenger traffic was slow and steady.
Some airline employees told WJZ the airport was busy Wednesday as most people were heading out of the area.
The story was similar on the roads with few traffic delays.
A gas station near Highway 97 in Glen Burnie said Wednesday was very busy, but the Fourth of July was slow.
Travelers said they chose to drive or fly on Thursday because they believed there would be fewer delays.
“We thought it would be easier and less crowded at the airport,” said Linda Stamper, of Bel Air, before boarding her flight to Fort Lauderdale. “We planned it well because when we got into the airport, we were like, ‘Oh my God, there’s no one here.’ We’re going to get to Florida by 5:15 p.m., so we’re going to have a walk, drink some wine and watch the fireworks.”
Nationwide, the Transportation Security Administration says this week has been one of its busiest travel weeks on record.
The agency screened nearly 3 million people on Wednesday and more than 19 million travelers since last week. Earlier this week, TSA officials were at BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport to discuss the busy week.
“We’re going to be very busy over the summer,” said Christopher Murgia, deputy director of federal security at the Transportation Security Administration. “We’ve seen record numbers over the summer.”
The Transportation Security Administration said people began traveling to their Independence Day destinations last Thursday and will return early next week, marking a busy 12-day period for airports.
Last week, the Alexanders flew from Los Angeles to Maryland to visit family for a week. They flew home on the Fourth of July to avoid post-holiday delays.
“The planes are pretty full, it’s been a lot busier,” Neil Alexander said. “Luckily, we’re not flying tomorrow, we know that’s a busy day, so flying on the fourth of the month helps us.”
AAA Mid-Atlantic says 1.3 Maryland They traveled by car to their holiday destination instead of flying.
For the first time in the history of the travel company, it has issued a nine-day travel period for the holiday, because after the Covid-19 pandemic, people have more flexibility to extend their trips.
Some tourists who drove to our area were beginning their long drives home, including Justin Martinez, who drove to Maryland from Houston, Texas.
“We just wanted to get a good start getting there early. I think it’ll be okay. It’s not too busy right now,” Martinez told WJZ.
Advice for travelers returning home next week includes arriving at the airport early, allowing extra time due to road traffic, and being patient.
“Unfortunately, I have to go home on Sunday, and I heard that would be a very bad day to travel,” said Kim Snyder of Bel Air.
Many people are expected to start travelling home this weekend.
If you’re traveling by plane, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) says you should make sure to get to the airport early, especially if you’re traveling during peak morning or early evening times.
The TSA says the busiest times include 4 a.m., 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.
If you are driving home over the weekend, maryland state police She says there will be extra patrols on the roads, to check for reckless, distracted or drunk driving.
