More travelers will hit the road

AUSTIN (KXAN) - More Texans will be hitting the road to grandma's house than flying this Thanksgiving holiday.

With an improving economy and stable gas prices, AAA Texas said it expects 3.3 million Texans will drive to their Thanksgiving destinations. It is a 7.5 percent increase from last year, which saw a 40-percent drop.

“The travel and tourism industry appears to be coming out of a slow period," said Rhonda Wilson, AAA Texas regional vice president and general manager. "Texas once again is leading the way with 12 percent of the state’s total population, just under 3 million people, expected to travel by auto on a trip of 50 miles or more this long weekend, in many cases to visit relatives."

As drivers take to the highways, extra police officers will also be out on the roadways.

Hundreds of Austin police officers will be out in full force, keeping an eye out for speeders, drunken drivers and seatbelt violators.

Last year, Austin police issued thousands of citations during the holidays. They said this year will be no different.

"So our challenge to you is simple," said Austin Police Department Chief Art Acevedo. "Slow down, don't drink and drive, wear your seatbelt and stop at red lights. Because if you don't, we will hold you accountable."

As drivers hit the road this Thanksgiving holiday, the Rubber Manufacturers Association is urging motorists to check their tires. RMA is the national trade association of tire manufacturers in the United States.

A survey of more than 7,000 vehicles revealed that more than 11 percent had at least one bald tire, increasing safety risks.

"In this bad economy, drivers may be delaying necessary vehicle maintenance to save costs," said RMA President and CEO Charles Cannon. "But that delay may cost you more dearly if worn out tires lead to a crash with injuries or fatalities."

Here is a simple tire tread test from RMA:

• To do the penny test, take a penny and insert Abe Lincoln's head upside down into the tread. If the driver can see all of his head, the tire is 2/32 of an inch deep or less and should be replaced.
• Tires also have wear bars built into them. These are indicators that appear when a tire's tread is down to the limit. These indicators are raised sections spaced intermittently in the bottom of the tread grooves. When they appear, even with the outside of the tread, it is time for tire replacement.

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport officials said they expect thousands more travelers throughout the holiday season than they would see during normal times throughout the year.

Airport officials anticipate Tuesday will be the busiest travel day, instead of Wednesday or Thanksgiving Day.

Travelers should arrive at the airport at least 90 minutes prior to departure time.

Heide Burkhardt's day of travel is stress-free. She loves the short lines at the airport. Burkhardt flew into Austin to celebrate Thanksgiving with her family a week early to avoid the mad holiday rush.

"A happy person!" said Burkhardt. "And my grandkids were extremely happy that I was here!"

Hailee Gopinath is also avoiding a holiday headache!

"It's amazing the difference," said Gopinath. "Especially getting through security is a nightmare!"

She is flying to Southern California for a National Tennis Tournament at the end of the week, and she is really enjoying the quiet airport.

Here are some recommended Thanksgiving travel tips from ABIA:

• While packing, check luggage to ensure no prohibited items are in the bag or its pockets.
• Before leaving for the airport, check flight status with airline or the airport’s Web site and click on the “flight status, real-time” icon.
• Plan to arrive at least 90 minutes before your departure time.
• Allow ample time to get to the airport. Traffic and weather conditions could add to commute time.
• Be prepared to present a government ID.
• Park easy. Zip in, zoom out with ABIA On Airport Parking: - Use credit card express lanes. Just swipe a credit card on the way in and swipe the same card on the way out. There’s no parking stub to keep track of and in just a swipe of a card you’re on your way. Call ahead for ABIA on-airport parking updates, (512) 530-3300.
• Be prepared for security screening, dress smart and pack smart.
• Remember to call 311 for liquids, gels and aerosols in carry-on luggage. Three ounces per container, in a clear, one-quart bag, one per passenger. These bags should be placed in bins going through x-ray like other personal belongings such as keys. This will speed up the process as Transportation Security Administration will not have to search through carry-ons for liquids.
• Knives, scissors with pointed tips, pepper spray and other such items are prohibited as carry-on items. For a comprehensive list of banned and permitted items in carry-on baggage, visit the TSA's Web site.
• Carry-on luggage is restricted to one bag and one personal item such as a laptop, purse, backpack, or briefcase. A laptop must be removed from its case to go through X-ray machines
• Avoid wearing jewelry and accessories that contain metal. Consider wearing shoes that can be easily removed as they must pass through X-ray machines.
• Outer coats, jackets and other such garments must be put through X-ray screening.
• Do not wrap gifts, as they may have to be opened during security inspections

Some 200,000 Texans will choose to take to the skies and fly, while 140,000 will use other modes of transportation like a bus or train.

Nationally, 38.4 million Americans will travel throughout the holiday weekend, a 1.4-percent increase over last year when 37.8 million traveled.