DETROIT – The holiday travel rush is underway, making for a busy day at the Detroit Metro Airport.
AAA projects a 6.2% increase in holiday travel from 2023.
Winter weather on the East Coast and in Chicago caused some delays on Friday (Dec. 20), but things kept moving.
Holiday travelers have been going through Metro Detroit all day, and while many people are getting out of town, they are perhaps headed somewhere sunny for Christmas.
The warmest moment was when a little girl reunited with her military dad.
Elaina, 8, stood watching and waiting every time the airport door opened, hoping for her dad, who was based in Florida and serving in the Air Force.
You’re excited," said Elaina’s mother, Jacqui Palmer. “You miss your daddy? You haven’t seen him in a few months. So we’re excited.”
After a few more minutes, it finally happened as her father came strolling through the door.
“It’s special, and we try to teach her it’s more than presents,” said Palmer. “It’s who you’re with. Even if you don’t get to celebrate it on Christmas. Christmas is just as long as we are together.”
Other families coming and going from Detroit Metro Airport, like Lindsay Styke, who said he was on his way to Texas.
“We’re on our way to Texas for a couple of days, and then we’re going on a cruise for about six days,” said Styke. “We’re going to celebrate when we get down there. Right now, it’s more about family time and creating memories.
DTW is expecting 1.7 million passengers for this Christmas and New Year’s rush.
“I think Detroit’s one of the best airports,” said a woman gearing up for travel. “I absolutely love our airport.”
Their overall holiday volume was up 6% from last year, but travelers don’t seem to notice.
“Today is not as bad as it’s been in recent years,” Styke said.
Passengers were focused on their destination this year.
“We are having Christmas on the beach,” the woman said. “We got a Christmas tree and everything, super excited.”
