Holiday travel rush begins

NORFOLK, Va. - The tradition of travel kicks off this holiday season, as more Americans will cover more ground this year to celebrate Thanksgiving with family.

But as the highways fill up with many people hitting the road, the airports will be much emptier, with travelers avoiding the skies.

AAA estimates 38 million people will travel this year - an increase from last year. The numbers are up for travel by cars, trains, and buses. But not for planes. Only 2.3 million people will travel through the skies this year, down nearly 7 percent from last year.

"This historic shift away from air travelers is likely driven by security hassles, reduced capacity, route choices, increased fees, and newsworthy delays and cancellations," said Glenn Macdonnell, spokesman for AAA.

Experts say the decrease in airline passengers may be a warning sign for the legacy carriers. Many have forced passengers to stomach increased fees and rising fuel prices.

And last week, an FAA computer glitch sent delays and cancellations rippling across the country, affecting Airtran flights at Newport News International Airport. But even with the latest technologicial troubles,. the travel rush, whether by plane or by car, is still a part of the holiday season.

AAA estimates travelers will average 815 miles round trip.

For current road conditions throughout Hampton Roads check out our LIVE WAVY Traffic Jam Cams.