Airline Passengers Making Final Dash To Be Home For Christmas

‘Twas the day before Christmas and all through the airport: No fuss and no troubles as passengers made the last minute dash across country.

“We have to do the Santa thing tonight back home in Seattle,” said Latonya Evans. “So, the kids are excited about heading home for Christmas.”

AAA of Southern California estimates more than 6.5 million Southern Californians will drive for the holidays and less than 300,000 will fly.

David Cohan is meeting family in Boca Raton, Fla. “I have to fly through Dallas to get there,” he said. “So, it’s going to be a long travel day.”

On Monday, the airport unveiled its first-ever body scanner. Despite the controversy surrounding the advanced imaging technology, travelers said they prefer the body scans over the body pat-downs.

“Especially with the kids, just to go through the scan will be more comfortable for them than someone patting them down,” said Evans, who has three children.

Cohan added: “I think having puffs of air blowing on me and walking through is a lot more comfortable than having people touch me all over.”

Airport officials said more than 5,000 passengers are shuttling through the airport each day this holiday season.

The torrential downpour earlier this week delayed and canceled some flights. No delays or cancellations were reported on Friday.