More than one million holiday travelers are expected to make their way through South Florida airports for the busy holiday weekend.
On Tuesday, and with Thanksgiving only two days away, travelers at Miami International Airport were happy to see their planes leaving on time.
Greg Batista was off to Washington D.C. to visit his daughter. Luiza Franco, traveling from Brazil, was in San Fransisco before she reached Miami.
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But Anzella Gonzalves wasn't as lucky. She missed her flight and has been stuck in South Florida. She told NBC 6 she hopes to make it to Virginia soon.
"They say my next flight will be at 1:40, but if I don't get on that one, then 3:25," she said.
It may be a good idea to pack your patience. The American Automobile Association estimates 43 million Americans will be traveling to their weekend destinations for the holiday.
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About three million people are expected to fly, a number down from last year, but MIA still expects some 880,000 flyers, while Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport will brace for half a million.
Batista said he's thankful he and his family are getting a holiday head start.
"I'm not only happy I'm leaving early, but I'm pleasantly surprised there's not too many people around," he said.
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Those people may be among the 39 million AAA believes will hit the highway, when gas prices expected to average between $3.25 and $3.40 per gallon this week. The Florida Highway Patrol warned drivers to use caution and prepare in advance.
"Check your lights, check your air pressure, make sure your vehicle is safe," Sgt. Mark Wysoki said.
Batista said the holiday madness may be something positive for the economy.
"It's good to see that people are traveling and spending some money out on the street, so yeah, it's a good sign," Batista said.
