Holiday travel rush expected to begin Tuesday across Philadelphia region
Holiday travel in the Philadelphia area is set to surge starting Tuesday. Over one million passengers will pass through Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) between now and January 4. This year’s air travel is expected to rise by around 5% compared to the same period in 2024.
Florida remains the most popular domestic destination, with Orlando, Miami, and Key West drawing crowds. Road and air traffic will peak on December 26, 27, and 29 as families and tourists head to sunny spots for the holidays.
The busiest travel days will begin late Tuesday morning, with congestion lasting until evening. Traffic delays are likely to stretch into the night, peaking around 7 or 8 p.m. Drivers should plan for slower journeys, especially on major routes out of the city.
Airport officials are warning passengers to check their flight status before leaving home. Domestic travellers should arrive at least two hours early, while those flying internationally need three hours. The TSA also advises using gift bags or boxes with removable lids for wrapped presents to speed up security checks.
About 90% of holidaymakers in the Philadelphia region will drive to their destinations. Roads will be packed, particularly on December 26 and 27, as families set off for year-end breaks. Florida’s theme parks and beaches remain the top draw, with AAA predicting heavy traffic and full flights to the state starting Thursday.
PHL expects its highest passenger numbers on December 26, 27, and 29. The airport has urged travellers to allow extra time for parking, check-in, and security. Long queues are likely, especially during morning and afternoon rush hours.
The holiday rush will test both roads and airports over the next two weeks. With more than a million people flying through PHL and heavy traffic on key routes, delays are inevitable. Officials continue to stress early arrivals and advance checks to keep journeys as smooth as possible.
Read also:
- United States tariffs pose a threat to India, necessitating the recruitment of adept negotiators or strategists, similar to those who had influenced Trump's decisions.
- Weekly happenings in the German Federal Parliament (Bundestag)
- Massive 8.8 earthquake hits off the coast of Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula, prompting Japan to issue a tsunami alert.
- Court petitions to reverse established decision on same-sex marriage legalization
