Thousands take to the roads, skies to return home after Thanksgiving weekend

Officials at the Raleigh-Durham International Airport said they expected Sunday to be the busiest travel day of the year, with about 38,000 people flying out of the airport before the night is over.

Lines were long as people made their way through the airport, but some said flying was worth the hassle because it means extra time with family members.

“I actually traveled on the holiday. I traveled on Thanksgiving and I will be traveling on Christmas because traffic is a little lighter, but it is what it is,” said traveler Kevin Thomas.

Travelers are advised to arrive at least two hours early and check parking options online before arriving.

The roads were busy over the holiday weekend as AAA predicted about 50 million Americans would hit the road for 50 miles or more between Wednesday and Sunday.

To deal with the increased traffic, the North Carolina Highway Patrol increased enforcement, putting a trooper every 20 miles along Interstate 40 on Sunday.

“I’m seeing a lot of close calls on the road and if there weren’t as much patrol on the road, I think it could have been a lot worse,” said driver Chloe White.

The effort is part of a multi-state initiative called the I-40 Thanksgiving Challenge. It’s an effort to reduce the number of crashes and deaths on the road.

While there may be more troopers out than usual, many drivers said they haven’t noticed the increase.

“We drove up from Wilmington yesterday morning and I didn’t see any cops on that strip and we’ve been out driving from downtown to here so far and have not seen anybody out,” said driver Nick Kolbenschlag.

The state Highway Patrol also increased enforcement on Wednesday, since Wednesday and Sunday are the busiest travel days of the holiday weekend.

“I feel safer with more patrol. I think it’s a great idea,” said driver Terry Hasenstab. “I try not to speed anymore so, for me, it’s a good thing. It keeps traffic flowing.”

Those spending Sunday on the road can report dangerous drivers by dialing STAR-47.