FORT LAUDERDALE-HOLLYWOOD INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, FLA. (WSVN) - Even with a spike in COVID-19 cases, Americans are still traveling for the holidays.
The Transportation Security Administration reports that Wednesday and Sunday will be the busiest travel days as passengers travel to and from Thanksgiving destinations.
“It’s a little scary, but, you know, you put family in front sometimes, and that exceeds the fear,” Stanley Breaker said before boarding his flight to Detroit.
7News cameras captured early travelers at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International airport, at around 6:30 a.m., Wednesday.
“I was up at four in the morning just to catch an early flight,” said Howard Elkin before flying to Alabama. “I was hoping that the airport would be less crowded, and it is.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has urged people not to travel this holiday season as coronavirus cases spike. FLL officials expect a 40% decrease in travelers in 2020 compared to Thanksgiving 2019.
“We felt comfortable enough to take safety precautions so that we’re safe due to COVID,” said La’Keitha Longhorn before flying to Georgia. “Other than that, we want to see family, so we’re not allowing that to stop us.”
Officials with FLL are expecting Saturday and Sunday to be the busiest travel days of the long holiday weekend with more than 80,000 travelers each day.
AAA said they expect at least a 10% drop in travel compared to 2019.
Still, millions are feeling comfortable enough to make these trips to family and friends.
“I’m a little nervous about going through the airport, but my family is worth it, and I’m willing to take a chance. I’m taking all the precautions,” said Elkin.
“We’re taking all the precautions so we’re feeling pretty safe to travel,” said another traveler. “We’re looking forward to it.”
Miami International Airport is also expecting a busy holiday weekend. Officials said the 12 days of travel from Nov. 20 to Dec. 1 will mark the busiest period since the start of the pandemic.
Florida Highway Patrol said drivers can expect more troopers on the road enforcing the law throughout the holiday weekend.
“In South Florida, more people died in traffic crashes than anything else other than natural causes,” FHP Maj. Robert Chandler said. “This is the result of speeding, someone not wearing a seat belt or someone driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.”
TSA reported that millions of Americans have already made their way through Florida airports since Friday.
For the CDC’s guide on traveling this holiday season, click here.
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