Holiday travelers hit the roads, skies

NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) - Holiday travelers hit the roads and took to the skies Friday night.

AAA projects that nearly 2.7 million Virginians will travel 50 miles or more from home during the 2012 holiday season, a slight increase from last year.

There was a steady stream of passengers arriving Norfolk International Airport Friday, with very few delays and cancellations. 

"I always love home," said one Portsmouth resident, who flew home from Philadelphia. "Home is home. Good old southern hospitality is a difference from up North. I love it!"

To check arrivals and departures at Norfolk International throughout the season, click here .

AAA of Tidewater says air travel is expected to increase 3.2 percent, with more than 150,000 travelers using that mode of transportation. AAA says the average lowest round-trip rate is $203 for the top 40 U.S. air routes.

Norfolk's Greyhound bus station was also busy Friday night. WAVY.com spoke to several members of the military who plan to take a bus home for Christmas.

"It feels good to go back for the holidays and spend time with family," said Nick McDonald, an Army reservist who just returned from serving in Kuwait. "You never know when you will get a chance to again."