Travel Tips if You're Leaving San Diego for the Christmas Holidays

This week and next will see crowded highways and airports, with the AAA predicting 94.5 million Americans will journey 50 miles or more from home for the Christmas and New Year's holidays. 

The AAA's year-end holiday forecast is for a 0.6 percent increase in travel from last year. 

"While economic growth has stagnated and consumer confidence has fallen, Americans will not be Scrooges when it comes to traveling this year,” said AAA Chief Operating Officer Marshall L. Doney.

Here are six tips from Patch if you are traveling out of San Diego for the holidays: 

1. Buckle Up and Don't Drink

The California Highway Patrol will engage in a Maximum Enforcement Period from 6 p.m. on Christmas Eve through 11:59 p.m. on Christmas Day. In addition to assisting motorists, CHP officers will be on heightened alert for drivers who speed, fail to buckle-up, or appear to be driving under the influence.

2. Check Traffic Before You Pull Out

The AAA predicts 91 percent of holiday trips will be by car, so check the traffic before you leave. Caltrans and private services like SigAlert have online maps that show current traffic conditions.

3. Arrive Early at Lindbergh Field

The San Diego International Airport will be busier than normal, but not as crowded as during the Thanksgiving holiday. However, as a precaution airport officials recommend arriving 1½ hours early for domestic flights and 2½ hours for international flights. 

4. Our Airport Has Changed

If you haven't traveled recently, you may be surprised by the new dual-level roadway that separates arriving and departing passengers in Terminal 2. This was completed as part of the Green Build expansion. Just remember to keep to the left and go up for departing flights.

5. Airport Parking May Be Limited

Call ahead to make sure there's parking at public or private lots. You can call 619-291-2087 for information about public lots at the airport.

6. If You Have to Wait, Enjoy the Airport

If your flight is delayed, remember that Lindbergh Field is one of the few airports with free WiFi. And there are more options for eating and drinking because of the Green Build. Recent openings include Phil's BBQ, Saffron and Craft Brews on 30th Street. Maybe it's better to stay in San Diego after all.