NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) – Today is the worst travel day of the holiday season, according to AAA.

AAA predicts this holiday season will break records, with 112.5 million Americans expected to hit the roads, rails and skies – a 4.4 percent jump from last year.

“We’re anticipating, in some cities, as much as a quadrupling of travel times,” AAA’s Robert Sinclair told CBSN New York. “Atlanta is the worst, and New York is right behind.”

Watch: AAA’s Robert Sinclair On Holiday Travel 

Thursday is the worst time to travel in New York, specifically between 9:30 and 10:30 p.m., since many plan to head out after work.

“On a daily basis, we’re seeing a lot of extra traffic. So when you throw in the holiday, it makes for an even worse commute,” Sinclair said.

The growing number of registered cars on the roads makes things even worse. In the five boroughs alone, between 2012 and 2017, there was an 8.2 percent increase from 1,776,536 to 1,925,041 registered vehicles.

Web Extra: Read AAA’s complete travel forecast (.pdf)

If you can wait, consider driving on the actual holiday. But if you need to leave beforehand, Sinclair says you should “get a good, early start.”

“That makes a big difference,” he said. “If you have some sort of real-time based traffic app, you should use that.”

The good news for drivers? AAA predicts the cheapest December national gas price average in two years.

For those who plan to fly, pack your patience. Air travel is expected to reach the highest level in 15 years.

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) – The weather is already throwing a wrench into people’s holiday travel plans.

By Friday morning, delays at LaGuardia Airport were already nearing two hours.

According to AAA, a record breaking one-in-three Americans is expected to travel this holiday season. For some it’s already more difficult than expected.

WEB EXTRA: Read AAA’s complete travel forecast (.pdf)

AAA says Friday is one of the busiest travel days of the year and that’s leaving some airline passengers seeing red.

It breaks down like this:

• 102.1 million people are expected to travel by car
• 6.7 million people will travel by air
• 3.7 million will travel by trains, buses and cruise ships

“My flight has been cancelled. So I have to try to figure out another way home,” North Carolina-bound flyer Kaitlyn Snyder said.

The rain and strong winds are causing widespread delays and cancellations. Outbound flights were delayed an average of nearly 45 minutes on Friday.

Inbound flights have been held up more than twice that long according to tracking website Flight Aware.

“The delay is an hour and a half right now. It’s an American Airline tiny plane. I travel, I know how this works. The small planes usually get cancelled. Knock on wood hopefully that doesn’t happen,” holiday flyer Peter Colin added.

The weather is also making it more difficult just to get to the airport.

Construction on the Garden State Parkway is causing backups that added time to the commute.

Watch: AAA’s Robert Sinclair On Holiday Travel

“You know how it is in New York. When it rains you better plan in an extra hour,” commuter Tim Ward told CBS2’s Aundrea Cline-Thomas.

Once frustrated passengers actually make it to the airport, many are left just sitting, waiting, and hoping their patience will pay off.

Travel experts are urging everyone to check their flight status before coming to the airport and allow plenty of extra time to get here.

Feeling a bit bummed about being single this year during the holidays? Well, never fear, there are plenty of reasons that you should celebrate your status as a single lady (or guy) this season. Stop focusing on what you don’t have and take a minute to raise your glass to these reasons to cheer for being single!

You won’t get “that question”

For some reason, when you’re in a relationship, everyone, especially family, seems to think it’s okay to ask you when you’re getting married, or even worse, when you’re planning on starting a family, as though those are communal decisions. Generally, if you’re single, your family should know better than to pry into your relationship status. Having your great-aunt ask you if you’re dating anyone is far less creepy than having her ask if you’re trying to get pregnant, right?

Mistletoe!

Let’s face it, holiday office parties are much more fun for single people. If you’re in a relationship, you’re either focused on showing off your significant other to your boss, or you’re biding time until you can get out of there and really have fun, but single people are much better able to relax and let their hair down. If you have no one to report back to, you can attend the after party!

No “perfect gift” pressure

Men are notoriously difficult to buy presents for, and women can have high expectations when it comes to romantic holiday presents. If you’re single this year, you don’t have to worry about whether your mate will outdo you on the fabulous scale. You avoid all of the stress of shopping and worrying about whether he really wants another set of cufflinks, or whether she will like your taste in jewelry. You also don’t have to practice a fake happy face for accepting a well-intentioned, but sad flop of a present.

You are on your own schedule

Everyone has a difficult time trying to fit in all of their friends and family members during the holidays. When you’re part of a couple, that challenge is doubled, as you have twice as many people to see in a short period of time. If both families celebrate the same holidays, you’re doomed to either run from one house to the other, leaving both groups unsatisfied, or to completely disappoint one family in favor of the other. Being single this year, you avoid the entire negotiation. Of course, you also don’t have an excuse to avoid your own family!

Solo travel

If you find yourself in a self-pitying moment of holiday blahs, just think about all of the couples traveling with babies and young children this holiday season. Between the snotty faces, whining voices, and screaming tantrums, parents traveling with children face dirty looks (at the very least) from their fellow passengers. Celebrate your stellar single life by booking a seat in the exit row, ordering a cocktail, and slipping on your noise-canceling headphones, knowing that even if your flight is delayed, you won’t have to change a dirty diaper.

Keely Herrick is a freelance writer. Her work can be found on Examiner.com. “

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) – Service got back to normal on Metro North and the Long Island Railroad Friday night, after a series of separate disruptions earlier in the evening brought the holiday travel rush to a halt.

It was a rough start to the Memorial Day weekend at Grand Central Station.

Delays of nearly an hour and a half on the Harlem and New Haven lines plagued the evening rush.

The MTA said a brush fire near the tracks in Wakefield caused a temporary service suspension and long delays for passengers.

“We left for the city at 4 a.m. Friday morning, so we’re ready to get back to Connecticut,” one tired commuter said.

At Penn Station, there was even more train trouble, after a LIRR train stalled in the East River Tunnel.

Both agencies later reported that service was running at or close to on time.

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) – If you’re planning to travel this Fourth of July, you are not alone.

AAA predicts 49 million people are planning an Independence Day getaway.

Web Extra: AAA’s Robert Sinclair Talks 4th Of July Travel 

A record 41.4 million people will travel by car, nearly four million people will take to the skies, and an additional 3.5 million will travel by train, bus or cruise ship.

This afternoon from 1:45 to 3:45 p.m. will be the worst time to travel in our area. Traffic is expected to be 3.8 times heavier than usual.

Helpful Travel Links:

TRAFFIC:

– Connecticut DOT
– New York City DOT
– New York State DOT
– New Jersey DOT
– Port Authority Bridges & Tunnels
– MTA Bridges & Tunnels

TRAINS:

– Amtrak
– Long Island Rail Road
– Metro-North Rail Road
– MTA Subways | Subway Service Advisories
– PATH
– NJ TRANSIT

BUSES:

– MTA Buses
– NICE Bus On Long Island
– AAA
– Greyhound
– NJ TRANSIT
– Port Authority Bus Terminals

PLANES:

– FAA Flight Delay Information
– TSA Travel Tips
– CBS News Interactive: U.S. Airport Tracker

LaGuardia Airport (LGA):

– Delays
– Departures 
– Arrivals

John F. Kennedy Airport (JFK):

– Delays
– Departures
– Arrivals
– JFK AirTrain

Newark Airport (EWR):

– Delays
– Departures
– Arrivals
– Newark AirTrain

Other Airports:

– MacArthur Airport
– Teterboro Airport
– Westchester County Airport

Top destinations in the Northeast include Maine, New York, Orlando, Cape Cod and Canada.

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) – Today will be one of the two busiest travel days for Labor Day Weekend, according to TripAdvisor.

The holiday is one of the most traveled weekends of the year, with New York City as one of the top destinations.

TripAdvisor says 61% of those traveling will hit the roads, while 27% will fly.

“This year, one third of Americans will be traveling for the last long weekend of summer,” said Elizabeth Monahan. “Try to leave a little bit earlier than you normally would or even later in the day to help avoid some of the busy traffic roads and long lines at the airport.”

The site predicts Tuesday will be the second busiest day, as people head back home.

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) – Fall starts on Monday, and now’s the time to start booking if you plan to fly for the holidays.

CBS2’s Cindy Hsu has some tips to get the best travel deals.

According to AAA, next Wednesday, Sept. 25, is the best time to start booking air travel for the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays, reports CBS2’s Cindy Hsu.

Most travelers book their flights between then and Oct. 27.

Travel expert Michaela Guzy says some people get great deals by waiting, but it’s risky.

“There are still last-minute deals to be had seven to 13 days out but you’re running the risk of the flight might not be there,” said Guzy. “If you do get the deal on the flight, is there a hotel for you to stay in?”

Experts say Tuesday and Wednesday are the best days to buy your airline tickets and also the best days to fly. Sundays are the most expensive to fly. If you’re looking for rock bottom prices, travel on the actual holiday.

“I find the best deals are 6 a.m. on Thanksgiving and/or Christmas to fly,” said Guzy. “It’s a good time to fly and honestly the airports are so much less stressful during that time.”

While technology has made booking travel a lot easier, experts say you need to go old school for the best deals.

“Most people watching this interview will make their reservations online, the biggest mistake they can make because what they don’t realize is only 52% of all the available inventory is online,” said CBS New Travel Editor Peter Greenberg. “You need to pick up the phone and talk to a human being. That applies to a hotel and airline, a cruise line, even a rental car company.”

Also sign up for airfare alerts on travel websites and apps. You plug in your location and timing, and they’ll send you alerts when deals pop up.

Another money saver is to look at both round-trip and one-way flights. Sometimes you’ll get a better deal booking two one-way flights versus a round trip.

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) – Believe it or not, it is time to book your holiday travel.

Thanksgiving is eight weeks from today, and Christmas and Chanukah are 11 away.

Hopper’s consumer trends expert Liana Corwin stopped by the CBSN New York studios today and broke down when to buy and fly this holiday season.

Corwin said travelers should book their flights before Halloween for the best deals.

“If you can get all of your plans together by the end of the month, you’re going to save the most money,” she said. “That being said, every single route is going to be different.”

Next month, prices are expected to climb by about $10 a day.

“What we see with Thanksgiving is you can procrastinate a little bit more because, unfortunately, prices just start higher so they stay high up until the holiday,” she added. “Whereas with Christmas, prices start a little bit lower and as you get closer to the holiday they really start to spike.”

Corwin said the best days to leave for both Thanksgiving and Christmas are the Mondays before or the holidays themselves.

Watch the full interview above for more helpful tips.

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) – This week, a record number of travelers will hit the roads and skies, so it might be tougher than usual to get to your Thanksgiving dinner worry-free.

The Transportation Security Administration is preparing for the busiest travel season they’ve ever seen, which could mean even longer lines at the airport.

“We think we will probably, likely to screen about 27 million passengers nationwide during that period,” said Lisa Farbstein of the TSA.

At Newark Liberty International Airport they expect to screen around 70,000 people a day during the Thanksgiving holiday, about 10,000 more passengers per day than normal.

The TSA says the agency is all hands on deck this week, but they’re asking passengers to plan ahead, get there early, and follow instructions of TSA officers.

Web Extra: TSA Officials Offer Thanksgiving Travel Tips

“The last thing a TSA officer wants to do, I can assure you, is a patdown. So the TSA officers want to make sure you get through the checkpoint smoothly, and efficiently,” Farbstein said. “So what does that mean? Get here early. It’s going to be crowded. The terminal’s going to be congested. It’s going to take longer on the roadways, it’s gonna take longer to park your car, longer to check your bag, longer to get your boarding pass, longer to get your Starbucks. So you can expect the line to be long at the TSA checkpoint as well.”

MORE: Tips To Navigate Construction At LaGuardia Airport

As for what Thanksgiving food you can bring on board a plane: Stuffing, sweet potatoes, marshmallows can all be brought in a carry-on bag, but gravy, cranberry sauce and wine need to go in checked bags.

“Basically the rule of thumb is, if it’s a solid it can go in your carry-on bag,” Farbstein said. “If you can spill it, spread it, spray it, pump it or pour it, it should go in your checked bag.”

The TSA recommends getting to the airport two hours early for domestic flights and three hours before an international flight.

#Thanksgiving week, means airports are super busy. It's just one more reason that you should not bring prohibited items to #TSA checkpoints. A guy brought this hunting knife to @EWRairport this morning. C'mon man, you're slowing down the line and ticking off fellow travelers. pic.twitter.com/EErJoYoh3r

— TSAmedia_LisaF (@TSAmedia_LisaF) November 25, 2019

Monday morning, TSA agents at Newark stopped a traveler who tried to bring a hunting knife through a TSA checkpoint.

“C’mon man, you’re slowing down the line and ticking off fellow travelers,” Farbstein wrote on Twitter.

Travelers will contend with more than just crowds this week. Nasty weather in other parts of the country could cause chaos for travelers here.

CBS travel expert Peter Greenberg says don’t wait until the airlines send an alert — it’s better to call them.

“And say, ‘look, I know there’s weather coming in. I know there’s going to be an alert. I don’t want to be 95th person in line to get that alert. Can you please look at your schedule, and rebook me on the following flights?'” Greenberg said.

Our travel expert says the best days to fly this week are Thanksgiving morning and Black Friday, when everybody else is out shopping.

For more Thanksgiving travel tips from the TSA, click here. For more Thanksgiving food questions and answers from the TSA, click here.

FOR THOSE HITTING THE ROAD

AAA predicts 55 million people will travel more than 50 miles for the holiday this week, the second highest volume since 2000.

Robert Sinclair, of AAA Northeast, says 49.3 million people will drive and 4.4 million will fly – both up about 3% over last year.

Web Extra: AAA’s Robert Sinclair on Thanksgiving travel 

“The economy is good, people have disposable income, and generally we have more money in our pockets. We like to celebrate by taking a trip during the Thanksgiving holiday, a built-in day off, and we make the most of it. Americans have the fewest number of vacation days of any workers in the entire industrialized world,” he told CBSN New York.

(Credit: CBSN New York)

Sinclair suggests waking up early on Thanksgiving morning and driving to your destination instead of joining everyone else who is getting off work and hitting the road Wednesday afternoon.

Tuesday or Thursday morning are the best times to travel, but Wednesday afternoon will be the worst.

“Make sure your vehicle is in good shape before you hit the road. We’re anticipating 368,000 break-downs for AAA members from Wednesday until Sunday – flat tires, dead batteries, and lockouts the top items. People have these key fobs and they get locked out of their vehicles,” Sinclair said. “Also, safety is very important. Don’t drink and drive, don’t drug and drive, wear your seatbelt, don’t speed. It’s going to be very busy on the roads, there will be a lot of police out there.”

Sinclair also says gas prices are up about 2 cents per gallon nationwide, compared to last year. In Connecticut, however, prices are down 18 cents.

AIRPORT GUIDES

– FAA Flight Delay Information
– TSA Travel Tips
– CBS News Interactive: U.S. Airport Tracker

LaGuardia Airport (LGA):

– Delays
– Departures 
– Arrivals

John F. Kennedy Airport (JFK):

– Delays
– Departures
– Arrivals
– JFK AirTrain

Newark Airport (EWR):

– Delays
– Departures
– Arrivals
– Newark AirTrain

Other Airports:

– MacArthur Airport
– Teterboro Airport
– Westchester County Airport

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) – There’s a brand new traffic pattern at LaGuardia Airport this morning.

The changes come just in time for one of the busiest travel weekends of the year.

Attention Drivers
Effective 5am Sat, Dec 21, exit 6 of the westbound Grand Central Parkway to #LGA will be permanently closed. Westbound exit 7 will serve Terminals B, C & D. Exit 5 will serve Terminal A. Please allow extra time to get to your terminal & follow all signs. pic.twitter.com/Y9kJHC0SAq

— LaGuardia Airport (@LGAairport) December 20, 2019

Starting today, westbound exit 6 of the Grand Central Parkway is permanently closed. Drivers trying to access terminals B, C, D and 94^th Street will have to take exit 7.

Airport officials say the new section will help drivers take a route that involves less merging.

There’s a brand new traffic pattern at LaGuardia Airport this morning. (Credit: LaGuardiaAirport.com)

Drivers heading to terminals C and D will keep right after exiting the parkway, and drivers heading to terminal B and 94^th Street will keep heading straight after exiting.

Airport officials also say there will be updated signage to help direct westbound drivers.

Click here for more information.

Meanwhile, AAA predicts more than 115 million people will travel by road, rail or air between now and New Year’s Day.

Christmas Eve is expected to be the best time to fly, and the day after Christmas will be the most expensive. Dec. 26 is also expected to be the worst time for traffic on the roads.

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) – A record number of more than 115 million Americans are expected to travel by car, train, or plane over the holidays.

The TSA predicts this will be the busiest holiday travel season in the agency’s history. AAA says more than 115 million people will travel by New Years Day.

For some, it’s off to a rocky start. Fog and icy conditions are being blamed for a 69-car pileup in Virginia. An internet outage delayed flights in Sacramento. Flooding temporarily closed Fort Lauderdale airport.

The good news for most travelers, the weather shouldn’t be a factor as clear conditions are forecast throughout much of the country. There are storms heading towards the West Coast and Southeast.

To keep things moving efficiently, the TSA is urging people to arrive at least 90 minutes early, have boarding passes and IDs ready and don’t forget to keep gifts unwrapped for security reasons.

(CBS Local)- While many have avoided extended family for most of 2020, doctors say the wait could last through the holidays due to COVID-19 case numbers surging across the United States.

Many are left wondering, is it safe to host a Thanksgiving feast with grandma and grandpa at the dinner table?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in-person holiday gatherings pose a varying degree of risk for people. Dr. Mallika Marshall, a practicing physician in Boston and WBZ medical reporter says it isn’t worth the risk.

“You’re in an enclosed space,” said Marshall. “You’re going to have to take your mask off to eat and drink. You’re likely going to be in close proximity to other people.”

Especially for people considered high-risk — which the CDC defines as older adults and people with underlying, chronic medical conditions — Marshall says they should avoid gatherings altogether in 2020.

“We know the virus can linger in the air and it’s spread through the air. It just doesn’t seem like it’s a wise idea,” said Marshall.

A number of factors determine the level of risk for gatherings including community spread of COVID-19 in the city where you plan to meet family, where everyone is traveling from, the duration of the time together, the behavior of people prior to visiting, and how people behave while together.

For example, people living in high case number communities who pay little regard to health and safety guidelines preventing the spread of COVID-19 have a greater risk of exposing others at a holiday gathering.

Meanwhile, gatherings held in outdoor settings where social distancing guidelines are strictly followed and masks are worn pose a lower risk of transmission.

“The best advice I can give is, if you can try to get tested within 72 hours of getting together with other people, that would be ideal,” said Marshall.

People who are considered high-risk or people who live with people considered high-risk should avoid any large gatherings at all. If you or someone you’re in close contact with is experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, the CDC recommends you quarantine for 14 days.

Symptoms of COVID-19 can appear two to 14 days after exposure and include fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, and diarrhea.

Air Travel During the Holidays

Researches at Harvard University recently released findings with optimistic results for people planning air travel during the pandemic.

According to the study, time spent inside the airplane may be safer than everyday activities like grocery shopping or eating out at a restaurant.

“Air on an airplane starts above your head and comes straight down on you to the floor. Once it hits the floor it gets filters out to the side and goes to HEPA filters. HEPA filters take 99.99% of bacteria and viruses out of the air,” explains Rebecca Spicer, Senior Vice President of Communications at Airlines For America.

Spicer says U.S. carriers are taking extra steps to ensure the safety of customers during the pandemic.

“Right away they started requiring masks,” said Spicer. “They have been vigorously enforcing that.”

According to Spicer, airline companies are utilizing electrostatic sprayers to clean the planes before passengers board. She emphasizes the high-touch areas like seatbelts, tray tables, and overhead vents are sterile.

Doctors are optimistic about recent findings, but warn your time in the tube is only part of the trip.

“We’re just talking about inside the plane, but travel involves getting to and from the airport. Some people take public transportation to get to the airport or stand in possibly long lines at security,” said Marshall.

Most U.S. carriers no longer charge change fees if you need to re-book a fare.

“They want to instill confidence in would-be travelers that when you purchase that ticket you have flexibility to change your plans,” says Spicer.

Even though fewer people are expected to travel this Holiday season, she recommends getting to the airport earlier. Spicer says many airports closed parking lots or garages. You may also have a difficult time finding open vendors once you’re past security.

“Pack a little snack in your bag, take an empty water bottle. You can fill it up on the other side of the TSA Checkpoint,” said Spicer.

Staying Healthy This Winter

The safest option for you and your family is to stay home this winter. Plan virtual gatherings to catch up with relatives.

Right now there is no approved vaccine for COVID-19. However, Dr. Marshall suggests getting your flu vaccination as early as possible.

RELATED: Solano County Sees Its 1st Person with COVID-19, Flu Co-Infection

“We’re entering not only another spike in coronavirus, but we’re entering flu season as well,” said Marshall. 

In the event you get sick, prior healthy choices can help you fight off the illness better. Dr. Marshall recommend eating well, exercising regularly, and getting plenty of sleep this winter. For people with underlying conditions, make sure your symptoms are well-managed.

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) – Despite surging cases and a new COVID strain, millions are traveling for Christmas.

The Transportation Security Administration reports Wednesday was the highest single day total since March.

Here in New York, Mayor Bill de Blasio is stepping up quarantine enforcement on travelers – particularly those coming here from the United Kingdom.

“It was the longest time. I haven’t seen my family,” said traveler Victor Ramirez.

As CBS2’s John Dias reports, it has been more than a year since Ramirez has visited his family, which is why he is traveling from Peru to his brother on Long Island for Christmas.

CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC

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He knows quite well there’s a pandemic, and like many travelers Dias spoke with, he’s risking his health to see loved ones.

“We have pandemic everywhere. We have to take care of ourselves and coming for the holidays with family,” said traveler Lourdes Gonzales.

But their welcome committee is something new:

All travelers coming into New York City now get a face-to-face with someone from the city’s Health Department, to get their information.

“It was perfect, the protocols. Everything was professional,” Gonzales said.

“They said we had to fill out a form, basically trying to reach us if someone tested positive on the airline,” one traveler said.

“You never know where they are going, staying, families, friends,” said traveler Lauren Cardoso.

More: Dr. Max Gomez Breaks Down What Is Known About New Coronavirus Strain Spreading Rapidly In The U.K.

For those coming from the U.K., where a new, more infectious variant of the virus was first discovered, enforcement is even more strict.

“We’re going to have a sheriff’s deputy go to the home or the hotel of every single traveler coming from the U.K.,” de Blasio announced Wednesday.

More: Mayor De Blasio Says All Travelers From U.K. Must Quarantine, Or Potentially Face $1,000 Fine

All around at John F. Kennedy International Airport, enhanced cleaning is going on, easing some anxiety. Travelers say some airlines require not just a mask but a face shield.

“It’s a protocol. We have to use it through the whole flight,” one traveler said.

“They’re mopping the walls. I’ve never seen anyone mop a wall,” one traveler said.

While the TSA reports they screened nearly 1.2 million people Wednesday – the highest single day total since March – AAA is predicting at least 34 million fewer travelers compared to last holiday season. As many as 84.5 million may still travel through Jan. 3 – a decline of 29%.

“I was scared, but when I saw only 30 people on the plane, it was a big plane. So it was fine,” one traveler said.

“Very clean. Very nice and neat. A lot of hand sanitizer when you go on the plane,” said Bronx resident Yokaira Rosaroa.

Meanwhile, across the pond, chaos erupted at a blockade in Britain as truckers clashed with cops. France is demanding every driver get tested for COVID before coming into the country. U.K. health officials warn cases of the mutated strain are surging. And now a third strain, similar to the variant in the U.K., has been found and is spreading fast in South Africa, prompting travel bans there as well.

“It is absolutely vital that we act. We simply cannot have the kind of Christmas that we will all yearn for,” said Britain’s Health Minister Matt Hancock.

Experts warn if you’re going to be flying, wear two masks, and you don’t have to wait exactly at your gate if it’s too crowded. You can wait a gate or two away where there may be fewer people.

More From CBS New York:

• NYC Teachers Sound Off Parking Enforcement Blitz, After Being Issued Tickets And Having Boots Placed On Cars
• 5 Killed When 2 Cars Crash In Yonkers; Authorities Say Speeding Driver Slammed Into Car Carrying 4 People
• Roger Stone, Paul Manafort Among Those Pardoned By President Donald Trump

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) — With Thanksgiving approaching, airports around the country are gearing up for an influx of travelers.

But concerns have been raised about Transportation Security Administration staffing and the looming federal vaccine mandate, CBS2’s Jenna DeAngelis reported Wednesday.

Traffic at airports like LaGuardia is expected to look a whole lot different come Friday, when holiday travel begins.

By Thanksgiving, airport officials expect to see a notable increase in travelers, and they are making sure everyone is prepared.

“If it’s a solid it can go in your carry-on. If it’s a liquid, a gel, something spreadable, then it should go in your checked bag,” TSA spokesperson Lisa Farbstein said.

Farbstein walked CBS2 through the dos and don’ts of holiday travel, as it’s expected many will be taking to the skies for Thanksgiving celebrations.

“We expect to see substantial increase in passengers volumes, which will be approaching the pre-pandemic 2019 volumes that we saw from two years ago,” said Robert Duffy, LaGuardia’s federal security director.

TSA agent Michael Kelley said the lines have been, “very long in the mornings, around 5-6 o’clock, so you guys got to get here about two hours before your actual flight. Be patient because it’s going to take some time to get through the line.”

While many plan to fly, one couple said they plan to drive, noting many reasons, including recent turbulence with airlines.

“I wouldn’t want to book a flight for December right now based on the situation with Southwest and American, and the vaccine mandates for staff, and all the flights that are already being canceled,” North Carolina traveler Ethan Barbee said.

The federal workforce, including TSA employees, have until Monday to show full vaccination status or request a religious or medical exemption.

The head of security at LaGuardia said the airport has plenty of staffing to get through peak holiday travel.

“We are not concerned. We are still working through the last of the numbers here because we do have some people that are no longer with us. So we have to call out the master records that we have. But we are in good shape here at LaGuardia, so we’re not concerned about that,” Duffy said.

During a House Homeland Security Committee hearing on Tuesday, some lawmakers expressed concerns about travel disruptions. One union leader is trying to get the vaccine deadline pushed for its members.

“Extending the deadline until Jan. 4 will provide consistency and will also provide fairness,” said Dr. Everett Kelly, president of the American Federation of Government Employees.

In mid-October, the TSA announced 60% of its workforce was fully vaccinated. Its administrator, David Pekoske, provided an update Wednesday on CBS Mornings.

“The numbers improved greatly, and I don’t expect the vaccine mandate to have any impact whatsoever on Thanksgiving travel,” Pekoske said.

The TSA says the busiest travel days are typically the Tuesday and Wednesday before Thanksgiving and the following Sunday.

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) — The number of people traveling through U.S. airports this weekend has already reached levels not seen since before the pandemic.

And with a vaccine mandate for federal workers starting Monday, there’s concern the Transportation Security Administration could struggle to stay fully staffed for the holiday travel rush, CBS2’s Lisa Rozner reported.

The TSA said Sunday it does not anticipate the mandate will impact the agency’s operations as it has been preparing for this for months.

“I don’t think they should expect chaos. We work very closely with the airlines, with the airports. We have travel projections for the coming week and we’re very confident this is going to be a very smooth operation over the next several days,” Administrator David Pekoske said.

A spokesperson would not give Rozner a figure and would only say the compliance rate “is very high.”

In October, CBS2 was told that 60% of workers got at least one shot, but now we’re being told it’s higher but just not by how much.

AAA predicts Thanksgiving travel, overall, will rebound to near pre-pandemic levels, with more than 53 million Americans expected to be on the move for the holiday. That’s a 13% increase from last year.

Remember, travel restrictions were also recently lifted for fully vaccinated travelers from more than 30 countries.

Nationwide, new COVID-19 cases are up nearly 54% in the last month. Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, and Wisconsin are among the hardest-hit states.

Pekoske was asked about how the agency will deal with employees not vaccinated come Monday.

“We will go through a progressive discipline process with our employees who have not been vaccinated. But we have a lot of employees who have asked for either medical or religious exemptions as well, so we’ll go through the process of looking at each one of those individual and make a determination in the next several weeks. So, yes, there is the potential if you do not have an approved exemption and you are not vaccinated that you will lose your job.”

The TSA said it anticipates the Sunday after Thanksgiving will likely see the highest numbers of air travelers with people returning home.

The agency set a new record for the year on Friday when agents screened more than 2 million passengers, CBS2’s Christina Fan reported Sunday.

Families that missed getting together for the holidays in 2020 are making up for lost time.

“We’re all vaccinated. We have our cards,” one traveler said.

Like millions of other Americans hitting the skies and roads, the Kaplan family is excited to travel again.

CBS2’s Christina Fan contributed to this report.

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) — There are still a few days to go until Thanksgiving, but holiday travel is already picking up.

The number of people passing through U.S. airports over the weekend reached levels not seen since before the pandemic. But as CBS2’s John Dias reported Monday, the new federal vaccine mandate may slow down some travelers.

With holiday greetings on the way, so is the gridlock. From LaGuardia Airport, where lines to get through TSA checkpoints were longer than usual, to John F. Kennedy International Airport, and Newark Liberty International Airport, local transit hubs were already packed.

“It’s the holidays. It happens,” traveler Jon Case told CBS2.

“I just wanted to get here early. I’m taking an international flight,” traveler Emanuel Hugo said.

AAA predicts Thanksgiving travel overall will rebound to near pre-pandemic levels, with more than 53 million Americans traveling. Experts say the eastbound lanes of the Long Island Expressway will see the most congestion in our area on Thanksgiving eve.

“From 2:30 to 6:30 Wednesday, the day before the holiday, we are anticipating a 480% increase in traffic volumes,” said AAA Senior Manager of Public Affairs Robert Sinclair, Jr.

It comes as a new vaccine mandate for federal workers kicked in Monday, impacting TSA workers.

“If we are, they should be vaccinated,” said traveler Miguel Ortiz.

In October, 60% of TSA workers got at least one shot. However, the agency now says 93% of its employees were in compliance with the deadline.

While the agency says it’s prepared, others worry it will lead to staffing shortages and extended wait times through security.

Brooklyn resident Erica Morris flew into Kennedy Airport from Charlotte, saying flying home was a hassle.

“It was way too long,” she said. “It didn’t look like there were a whole lot of people working. Not enough people at least.”

Suitcases packed and masks secured, the Rosenthal family was excited for their first big trip out of Newark since the pandemic began, CBS2’s Jessica Layton reported.

“We’re both double vaccinated and boosted and she’s had two vaccines and we’re ready to go,” Nicole Rosenthal said.

All this comes as new COVID cases are up nearly 54% in the last month nationwide. Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota and Wisconsin are among the hardest hit.

“With a daily average of now 92,000 cases, we’ve got to be careful,” Dr. Anthony Fauci said on CBS Mornings. “That doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the holidays. We can be with our families if you’re vaccinated.”

Dr. Fauci said it’s a good idea to get a COVID test before celebrating indoors.

“It isn’t a firm requirement, but I think if you want to go that extra step, particularly when you’re in a region where there’s a lot of infection,” he said.

“I feel like I would feel safer if everybody was vaccinated or at least if everybody was tested,” Rosenthal said.

In a letter signed by several Democrats, lawmakers asked President Joe Biden to require airline passengers to provide proof of full vaccination or a negative test to board a domestic flight, saying, “This is a necessary and long overdue step toward ensuring all Americans feel safe and confident while traveling and reduce the chances of yet another devastating winter surge.”

Proof of vaccination is required for international travel, but Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said Sunday it isn’t necessary for flights within the U.S. because current safety protocols like masking work.

Several passengers Layton spoke with said requiring shots for all flights feels like overreaching.

“I feel like as long as people are taking the proper safety precautions, it’s not necessary. I mean, everyone has the right to choose,” one traveler said.

“It’s up to whoever wants to do it, really,” James Ransom said.

“I feel quite safe. Everyone wears their mask on board and sanitizing stations,” Erin Coombs added.

The TSA anticipates the Sunday after Thanksgiving will likely see the highest numbers of air travelers as people return home.

AAA experts say air travel has almost completely recovered from its dramatic fall during the pandemic. It’s up 80% over last year.

CBS2’s Jessica Layton contributed to this report.

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) — As millions fly to see loved ones for Thanksgiving, airports will likely be packed at near pre-pandemic levels this entire week – and it has already started.

CBS2’s John Dias took a closer look at what’s in store for some travelers.

Wednesday is expected to be one of the busiest travel days of the year, but by the looks of it, LaGuardia Airport Tuesday was giving the traditional Wednesday getaway day a run for its money.

“I thought it was going to be bad. It’s gnarlier than I expected,” said Gramercy Park resident Sophia Smith.

“Other years it has been long but not this long,” said traveler Ridwana Zaman.

COVID VACCINE

• New York State book online here or call 1-833-NYS-4-VAX
• New York City book online here or call 877-VAX-4NYC
• Track NYC vaccinations by zip code
• Nassau County more info here
• Suffolk County more info here
• Westchester County more info here
• New Jersey book online here or call 1-855-568-0545
• Connecticut book online here

Lengthy TSA line snaked around the Queens airport for the second day in a row. Harriet Nance of Brooklyn says the best way to describe it is just one word.

“Wow,” Nance said.

A self-proclaimed avid traveler, she said she’d never seen it so crowded before.

“It’s heart stopping. You gotta get ready, make sure you have time,” Nance said.

Some 4.2 million Americans are expected to fly for Thanksgiving – a more than 80% increase from last year – all now passing through vaccinated TSA employees after a new federal mandate went into effect Monday. Ninety-three percent of TSA employees have gotten at least one dose.

“We absolutely celebrate when it’s all over, and we can kind of slow down and breathe a little,” said TSA security training instructor Yanick-Nikita Lunford.

For Delta Air Lines, it’s game time. At any given moment, most large airports have dozens of trucks, plus thousands of staff all coordinating in real time. It’s something passengers don’t see: Thousands of pieces of checked luggage, sorted and loaded on planes.

“It may look like chaos to the average person, but there’s a- there is a ballet that’s taking place here,” said Delta Air Lines Vice President of Operations Matt Sparks.

Watch John Dias’ report — 

The travel uptick comes as several Democrats, including New York Rep. Ritchie Torres, are asking President Joe Biden to require all airline passengers to provide proof of full vaccination or a negative COVID test to board – not just on international flights.

“This is a necessary and long overdue step toward ensuring all Americans feel safe and confident while traveling and reduce the changes of yet another devastating winter surge,” they wrote.

That’s drawing opinions from both sides.

Nationwide, infections are up 54% in the last month.

“It’s the same. We get exposed. Delta has crawled up,” said Katherine Sharburgh of Rye.

“I’m vaccinated, I don’t think it should be forced upon people,” said traveler Becky Arnold.

“I think I would feel safer if everybody was vaccinated or at least if everybody was tested,” traveler Nicole Rosenthal told CBS2.

The Rosenthal family was already in compliance with the potential requirement.

“We’re both double vaccinated and boosted, and she’s had two vaccines, and we’re ready to go,” Nicole Rosenthal said.

“I feel like as long as people are taking the proper safety precautions, it’s not necessary. I mean, everyone has the right to choose,” one person said.

“I feel quite safe. Everyone wears their mask on board and sanitizing stations,” said Erin Coombs.

AAA says this year’s forecast marks the highest single-year increase in Thanksgiving travelers since 2005. So pack not just your masks, but your patience.

Meanwhile, 90% of people traveling for the holiday are expected to drive to their destinations this year. That’s a turnout that has not been seen in several years, according to experts.

As CBS2’s Cory James reports, New York City traffic was bumper-to-bumper Tuesday ahead of one of the busiest travel days of the year.

“Today was a disaster,” Queens resident Alberto Cretara said.

“It sucks,” one driver said.

Many drivers are expecting it to get even worse.

“It makes me feel really bad,” another driver said.

AAA Northeast spokesman Robert Sinclair says Wednesday will have major traffic delays.

“Without a doubt, Wednesday afternoon, the day before the holiday, 2:30 roughly to 6:30 is the absolute worst time for you to be on the road,” he said.

According to AAA, the Long Island Expressway will have a 482% increase in traffic from Exit 13 to Exit 32. The Brooklyn-Queens Expressway trails behind with a 479% jump for those heading south from Exit 35 to Exit 22. Westbound commuters on the Belt Parkway will see a 254% jump from Exit 17 to Exit 3.

“It’s going to be hammertime on local roads,” Sinclair said.

Still, drivers say it’s worth it to reunite with family.

“Finally we can hug each other again, and let’s do it,” Cretara said.

Sinclair says to avoid those major traffic jams, go to bed early Wednesday night and wake up early Thanksgiving morning to travel to your destination.

If you’re taking a train this holiday week, there are some MTA service changes. For more information, click here.

CBS2’s Cory James contributed to this report.

SECAUCUS, N.J. (CBSNewYork) — AAA says more than 53 million people are expected to travel this Thanksgiving.

So when are the best and worst times to hit the road?

CBS2’s Leah Mishkin spoke with people Wednesday morning at the Alexander Hamilton rest area on the New Jersey Turnpike in Secaucus.

Jane Torcia and her family of five were out the door at 5:30 a.m. to drive from Connecticut to Maryland to be with family.

“We have about six DVDs in there. ‘Moana’ has been on repeat, and snacks, lots of snacks,” she told Mishkin.

Traffic was light Wednesday morning, but built through the day. AAA’s Robert Sinclair says from 2:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. is expected to be the worst time to hit the road.

“You combine commuters with those trying to get away for the holiday on Wednesday afternoon, and it’s going to be very crowded indeed,” he said.

He said the eastbound Long Island Expressway will experience a 482% increase in traffic between Borden Avenue and Little Neck Parkway. Major jams are also expected on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway and Belt Parkway.

“Everybody knows the day before Thanksgiving, it’s the day the roads are full, when the airports are full, the trains are full and the MTA is ready — the subways, the buses, the commuter railroads,” MTA Acting Chairman and CEO Janno Lieber said.

There were long lines during the early afternoon at Moynihan Train Hall at Penn Station.

“Overall, we’re at about 70% of our ridership, compared to fiscal year 2019, and this week we’re at about 80%, looking at about 800,000 riders across the country,” Amtrak spokesman Jason Abrams said.

Back at the rest stops on the Turnpike, Jeff Stein was driving to Maryland with his wife and kids to get to his parents’ house. They weren’t able to be together last Thanksgiving because of the pandemic, and he’s been craving his mom’s gravy.

“We left early to beat the traffic,” he said. “Everybody is going to be back together.”

Mishkin stopped David Rocha at a rest stop outside the Lincoln Tunnel. He said he was making the 11-hour trip with his wife and son from Rhode Island to North Carolina to get to his in-laws.

“With prices being so high in plane tickets,” he said. “The pump is high also.”

This comes as gas prices are hitting a seven-year high amid soaring inflation. Still, AAA says 90% of Thanksgiving travelers are driving this year.

President Joe Biden announced plans to cut fuel costs Tuesday by tapping into the country’s strategic reserves. Fifty million barrels of oil will be gradually released.

“I’ll do what needs to be done to reduce the price you pay at the pump,” he said.

AAA says drivers should leave after 9 p.m. Wednesday or before 11 a.m. Thursday.

To help ease the expected congestion on the Long Island Expressway, the Long Island Rail Road is adding to its eastbound service. For more on that and other MTA service changes, CLICK HERE.

CBS2’s Ali Bauman contributed to this report.

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) — The holiday travel rush is underway as Americans deal with soaring COVID numbers — New York State just set a new record with nearly 22,000 positive tests.

AAA predicts 110 million Americans will ultimately travel this season, many undeterred by the rising coronavirus infections. But health officials warn this is the start of another wave, CBS2’s Christina Fan reported Sunday.

Millions of Americans are headed home for the holidays, packing airports and filling roadways at near pre-pandemic levels. Fears of an Omicron variant surge are not enough to stop people from traveling.

“It makes me nervous, but I’m boosted,” one traveler said.

COVID VACCINE

• New York State book online here or call 1-833-NYS-4-VAX
• New York City book online here or call 877-VAX-4NYC
• Track NYC vaccinations by zip code
• Nassau County more info here
• Suffolk County more info here
• Westchester County more info here
• New Jersey book online here or call 1-855-568-0545
• Connecticut book online here

More than 2.2 million people passed through TSA security at airports across the country Friday, a jump of nearly 110% over last year.

More than one-third of the country is not fully vaccinated, let alone boosted.

“Are you worried about traveling safely with the Omicron variant spreading so quickly?” a traveler was asked.

“No, if I was I wouldn’t be going,” they said.

In addition to vaccines and boosters, you can also get free testing at state-run sites in Johnson City and Queensbury.

Learn more about the sites and about how we’re partnering with communities to fight the winter surge:https://t.co/v5oRpFJR3M

— Kathy Hochul (@GovKathyHochul) December 17, 2021

Delta is still the dominant variant fueling new infections in all but five states.

Health experts say the mutated Omicron variant is spreading fast and will soon overtake Delta. They fear the new strain will overwhelm health care systems in communities with low vaccination rates.

“Even if we have a spike or a surge that’s 25% of what it was last winter, we don’t have the capacity from space or staffing to deal with that,” said Dr. Thomas Yadegar of Providence Cedars Sinai Medical Center.

On Friday, new infections in New York surpassed 21,000. That’s the highest number of reported cases since the pandemic started and set up the second straight day with a new record.

FIND TESTING SITES: Click here for New York City’s testing site locator, including mobile sites and at-home appointments

AVOID THE LINES: Click here for NYC Health+Hospitals testing wait times

People across New York City are scrambling to get tested.

“That’s why everyone is getting tested, because the numbers are going up at an alarming rate and it’s scary,” said Deacon Raymond Perez of the First Spanish United Methodist Church.

The state’s positivity rate is slowly, but steadily climbing. Health officials say the biggest spike is likely to come after New Year’s.