MIAMI — Thanksgiving holiday travelers filled Miami International Airport before sunrise Thursday, lining up early in hopes of getting home to loved ones — and to a good meal.
Among them was BJ Rutledge, who calls himself the airport’s “fun guy.” He and his wife were returning from their honeymoon and timed their trip with the holiday rush for a reason.
“We planned our whole honeymoon to finish on Thanksgiving because flights are a lot cheaper, and we are going to see my sister because she is house-sitting,” Rutledge said.
They were far from alone. AAA estimates that about 6 million people will take to the skies for Thanksgiving this year.
Sisters Mackenzie and Winter Tyrell were also wrapping up a family trip to Miami and heading back to Colorado to spend the holiday with their grandparents.
“I’m not excited about the plane, but I’m excited about Thanksgiving,” Mackenzie said.
At MIA, more than 200 flights were delayed Wednesday. TSA officials said they are prepared to screen up to 80,000 passengers per day during the Thanksgiving period.
For travelers navigating the holiday chaos, those who have already made their way through offered simple advice.
“Stay calm and know everything will be okay,” Winter said.
“Just remember to breathe and be kind,” Rutledge added.
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