BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — Whether you’re traveling on a plane, train, or automobile, experts want to make sure you’re aware of tips and tricks for holiday traveling.
“You’re gonna wanna leave early. Give yourself plenty of time to get to your destination safely without having to rush or drive aggressively,” said Officer D.C. Williams, with Fort Tejon California Highway Patrol.
Officer Williams with Fort Tejon CHP says he expects hundreds of thousands of cars traveling through the Grapevine over the Thanksgiving weekend.
“It’s probably gonna be pretty hectic so you’re gonna be wanting to give yourself time to go see those loved ones and enjoy that turkey dinner on Thanksgiving,” said Williams.
AAA is also projecting record travel in Southern California for the 7th year in a row. An estimated 6.8 million people will be traveling 50 miles or more from Tuesday to Monday — a vast majority will be taking a road trip.
Doug Shupe, a spokesperson for the autoclub, warns to check tire treads and pressure, replace windshield wipers, and to make sure your battery has a good charge.
“Over the next five days Triple A anticipates coming to the roadside rescue of about 147,000 stranded drivers just in Southern California alone,” said Shupe.
If you’re not driving you might be flying.
The director of Meadows Field Airport estimates flights being completely full this Thanksgiving weekend and says you should show up early for your flight with your ID ready.
Shupe also says to reserve a parking spot at the airport in advance.
“Airport parking lots fill up fast during these holiday weeks…you don’t want to be wasting time looking for a space when you need to get inside to the airport to your gate,” said Shupe.
Lastly, Amtrak trains are also going to be filled this week. In 2024, Amtrak carried more than 1.1 million people during the Thanksgiving travel period. People coming and going at the Bakersfield Amtrak said they loved it.
“I’ve been flying for the past three weeks. Then taking the train it’s cool to just relax and chill and I also can get some work done,” said Thomas Houston, who was leaving to visit family in Northern California.
Glenda Wigginton took a bus from Ontario in California to Bakersfield to visit her sister.
“It was crowded. The first time I’ve ever seen it completely crowded. I don’t think there was a seat left,” said Wigginton. “But the traffic wasn’t bad coming.”
For all the modes of traveling we reported on today, there was a major consensus between all of them: Leave home early. Whether you need to catch a flight, take a long drive, or ride a train, it’s important to give yourself enough time to get to your destination and — of course — that Thanksgiving dinner.
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