LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – With the Thanksgiving holiday fast approaching, Southern California is experiencing a surge of travelers hitting the roads and filling up the airport terminals. At Los Angeles International Airport, long lines and heavy traffic have become the norm as millions of people prepare to fly out for the holiday weekend.

According to airport officials, an estimated 2.5 million passengers are expected to pass through LAX over the next 10 days, a significant increase from the previous year. This influx of travelers has led to extended wait times at check-in counters, with some passengers reporting delays of up to 30 minutes just to reach their designated terminals.

At the same time, the American Automobile Association predicts that around 4.6 million Southern Californians will be hitting the road, driving more than 50 miles to reach their holiday destinations. The heavy traffic has created challenges for many families, such as one who had to endure a 90-mile drive from Palmdale just to reach the airport to pick up their children.

Despite the chaos and congestion, many travelers remain undeterred, expressing their excitement to reunite with loved ones for the holiday. Others, however, are feeling the strain of navigating through the crowded transportation hubs and highways of Southern California.

In response to the increased traffic, officials with the California Highway Patrol have announced plans to step up enforcement efforts, particularly targeting reckless and impaired drivers. Last year, 37 lives were lost on the state’s roads during the Thanksgiving holiday season, underscoring the importance of safe driving practices.

As the holiday rush continues, travelers are urged to exercise patience and caution while navigating through the busy transportation networks of Southern California.