A record 103 million Americans billed to travel for holidays

AAA says this year’s holiday travel is billed to be record-breaking, with more than 103 million travelers taking off for the holidays.

Diverted, delayed and canceled flights tested many travelers’ patience at the Palm Springs International Airport.

Walt Lloyd is one of many travelers who woke up early to catch his flight back home, but instead, his flight was canceled.

“There’s supposed to be 30, 40 people who their going to bus to Ontario and hopefully get on the 3:30 flight and be in San Francisco around 4:45. It could have been worse,” Lloyd said.

Although some did manage to dodge the hectic holiday havoc.

“I actually got here a little early. I was supposed to get in 30 minutes later than I did. Overall, it’s been pretty smooth sailing,” said Jakob Brandes, who had just landed back in his hometown for the holidays.

While many are battling air traffic, AAA says the majority of travelers are driving.

“A little bit of slowing, a little bit of rain, otherwise it’s been OK. Not as bad as I thought,” one driver said.

“I had a warning light on a tire that was bad. I didn’t really think it was that bad until someone signaled on the freeway that I had a flat tire,” said Bruce Ayres, who was traveling from Sun City, Arizona.

Many drivers face car troubles during the rush of the holidays.

Sergio Ceballos, an auto technician with Sergio’s Automotive, warns drivers to make sure their car is ready for the road.

“You wanna have adequate tire pressure on the vehicle. Once the cold weather comes in, the tire pressure drops. Also, you wanna make sure you have proper tread. Make sure the wipers are working properly,” Ceballos said.

As many battle long lines and unexpected traffic, one thing remains consistent — the desire to be with loved ones for the holidays.

“At this point, I have nowhere I’d rather be than in my granddaughter’s arms and my kids’ arms,” one traveler said.

“We don’t need our presents and all the other things we get for Christmas. We just need our family,” another holiday traveler explained.