New Jersey's Newark Airport experiences surge in holiday travelers

NEW JERSEY (PIX11) –  As the holiday season kicks into high gear, Newark Liberty International Airport is experiencing an unprecedented surge in travelers. 

According to the Transportation Security Administration, this year is shaping up to be the busiest air travel year in U.S. history, with Newark Airport at the epicenter of the holiday rush.

Despite the high volume, some passengers are finding their journeys surprisingly smooth. Kate Johns shared her experience traveling to Austin, Texas, with her family.

 "Well, it's been pretty calm here." She described her family's preparations, saying, "Today has been, you know, a lot of prep, making sure the house is all set and the water's off and things like that. And then pack up and make sure the house is all locked up."

Other travelers expressed a mix of excitement and apprehension as they navigated the busy terminal. 

One traveler enthusiastically mentioned their destination, "Oh, so we're traveling to Los Angeles."

Another shared their first-time experience with snow, "No, it's actually my first time seeing snow, and honestly, I'm just going back home for the holidays." 

A third traveler noted their expectations about the weather, "Honestly, I kind of expected the snow, ya know. Saw it on Instagram last night. I knew it was going to be a rough ride going to the airport, but we're here we made it."

While some travelers are sailing through, others are facing challenges. One passenger voiced their anxiety: "I'm anxious, really anxious, because I'm headed to Australia, and I'm not sure I'm going to make my connection."

The Transportation Security Administration predicts screening 49 million passengers through January 2nd. Despite these staggering numbers, AAA forecasts that 90% of holiday travelers will opt to drive to their destinations.

For those flying, like the Johns family, careful preparation and a calm approach are key in navigating the busy airport this holiday season. Kate Johns confidently stated, "We're ready to go."

Travelers are advised to check their flight status before heading to the airport to avoid any last-minute surprises.

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