In fact by last night, the holiday hustle and bustle had already begun. But while it is one of the busiest, officials with the Houston Airport System say last Friday was actually the busiest travel day for them. And they expect another big rush on Sunday. But for this day before Thanksgiving, they say 230 flights will be taking off and arriving at Hobby, and more than 100,000 passengers will move through Bush Intercontinental Airport.
The plane lands and the homecoming greet is minutes away. Some even wore last year's Christmas sweater in honor of the holidays. Then you have to find your luggage among the masses.
Finally that Thanksgiving trip is getting closer, especially for two best friends returning from their first semester of college at Texas Tech.
"Yeah, it's really special. It's kind of scary being on your own and getting to see your family is really fun and so I'm excited," student Carley Chavez said.
Even mom Lisa Chavez was a little emotional watching her daughter return home.
"It was exiting to watch her come up the runway from the airport. We're excited to have her home," she said.
"I haven't seen a lot of my cousins so I get to see them for the first time in six months or so," traveler Shelby Spicer said.
And considering college cuisine, it's safe to say they're already salivating for a turkey dinner.
"The food is not so great in the cafeteria, so I'm ready for a home-cooked meal," Spicer said.
Being from out of town, they'll make the family rounds for Thanksgiving.
"Go to dinner at my grandmother's house and then lunch at my aunt's house the next day," Spicer said.
Both Houston airports are using Bluetooth to monitor how fast lines are going.
AAA Texas on Monday estimated the number of Texans traveling this holiday week will increase 1.6 percent compared to last year.It predicts nearly 3.3 million Texans will hit the road for the holiday, making round trips of 50 miles or more from Wednesday through Sunday.
AAA Texas spokeswoman Rhonda Wilson says the predicted increase in holiday travel comes as people feel more confident this year about the economy.
The Associated Press contributed to this report
