NORTH SOUND, DEC. 20: The Christmas holiday falls in the middle of next week on Wednesday and for those who plan to travel out of town to be with friends and family, many will begin hitting the road or flying Friday, Dec. 20 through this weekend.
According to the American Automobile Association (AAA) travel forecast, just over 119 million Americans are anticipated to travel at least 50 miles between Friday the 21st and Wednesday, Jan. 1. Roughly 3 million more people will be on the road than last year and will likely break the record of those who travelled during this holiday season set in 2019.
Close to 90% will travel by car primarily thanks to lower gas prices. The remainder will fly or take Amtrak. New records of 7.85 million people are expected to fly according to AAA. Here is what you need to know before you go.
Weather
A strong westerly Jetstream across the Northern Pacific is forecasted to navigate an ongoing series of Pacific weather systems into the area. The wet and unseasonably mild weather of late is anticipated to continue this weekend and through next week, including the Christmas holiday.
In Western Washington, expect periods of rain through next week. On Tuesday, Christmas Eve, a strong low-pressure system well offshore is likely to kick up blustery winds along the coast and in the north interior, mainly from Whidbey Island northward.
Temperatures will remain unseasonably mild for this time of year. Highs will range from the upper 40s to mid-50s with lows dropping only into the upper 30s and 40s. The average high and low temperatures during this period are in the mid-40s and mid-30s respectively.
For those with plans across the Cascades, snow levels will yo-yo from about 4,000 feet to 5,500 feet. Lower pass highways such as Snoqualmie Pass should have reasonable driving conditions this weekend and well into next week.
Snoqualmie Pass joined all other ski areas by opening for the season earlier this week. Unfortunately, with snow levels above the pass, the weather is likely not going to offer much of any new snow while higher-elevation ski areas should receive periods of snow. Be sure to monitor the Washington State Department of Transportation website or app for the latest pass highway conditions.
East of the Cascades, the wetter and milder weather will also be in play. Rain is expected at times this weekend through next week with the high in the upper 30s into the 40s, and lows primarily in the 30s.
For those flying elsewhere in the country, much of the rest of the nation will be quite cold through the weekend with snow expected in the Northeast. Next week though, temperatures are forecast to moderate with limited precipitation from the Rockies eastward through Christmas Day.
Air Travel
And speaking of flying, authorities at SeaTac Airport anticipate a busy, BUSY holiday season with more than 2 million passengers through the New Year’s Day holiday period. Friday, Dec 20 is expected to be the busiest day of travel with just over 170,000 moving through the terminal. Subsequent days leading up to Christmas Eve will all have close to 150,000 travelers.
SeaTac notes that more than one-third of daily passenger volumes arrive at the airport before 9 a.m., creating long lines approaching arrival doors and at TSA security checkpoints. As always, arrive early. Other peak times include between 2 and 5 p.m., and again the evening rush between 9 and 11 p.m. Also, recall that checkpoint 5 is closed for construction.
TSA security checkpoints will be busiest from 5 to 10 a.m., 2 to 5 p.m., and again from 9 to 11 p.m. The airport has the SEA Spot Saver TSA screening reservation program that does not involve any membership. Appointments can be scheduled in advance online for security screening, resulting in reduced wait times. SEA Spot Saver is used primarily from 4 a.m. to 10 p.m. at TSA Checkpoints 2 and 3 for all airline passengers.
Parking and drop-offs/pickups will also be challenging at the airport. To help avoid crowds at the curb, travelers can use Sound Transit Light Rail to reach the airport in a cost-effective and timely manner. To help ease the crowd, airport general parking will be free for 90 minutes from 8 to 12 p.m. only.
Snohomish County’s Paine Field is a different story. The Paine Field passenger terminal will be busier than normal but have far less congestion than Sea-Tac. Alaska Airlines currently has 18 daily departures from Paine Field, all heading to more southern warmer destinations. Kenmore Air also has flights to/from the San Juan Islands.
Driving
Most holiday weekend travelers will be on the road. To help avoid delays and frustration in traffic, plan to travel before or after the following peak times, based upon WSDOT Thanksgiving weekend travel charts compiled over years of traffic data.
Going over Snoqualmie Pass on I-90, heading to the eastside is by far the busiest on Saturday the 21st and again Thursday the 26th peaking between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. Returning from Eastern Washington is expected to be the busiest on Thursday the 26th, peaking from 11 a.m. through 5 p.m.
For those driving east over Stevens Pass, the heaviest travel days and times will be similar to Snoqualmie Pass. The same can be said for those heading to Portland or north toward Bellingham.
Ferries
If you plan to use the ferry system, keep in mind that Washington State Ferries continue to suffer fewer available vessels and occasional staffing shortages.
Ferry authorities anticipate about 500,000 people to use the system through the end of the year. The busiest sailings for vehicles moving westbound (or onto an island) will be through Christmas Eve, and then eastbound (or off island) Thursday through the weekend.
Be sure to check the ferry schedule on their website or app for the latest available information, and plan for likely long waits at ferry terminals. To reduce waiting, consider taking an early morning or late-night sailing or using transit to walk or bike onto the ferry if possible.
Gas Prices
At the gas pump, prices are about 25 cents lower than at this time last year, according to AAA Travel. The average price of regular gas statewide is about $3.92 a gallon. Outside of the many urban Western Washington areas, a large number of stations are offering regular gas at under $3.70 per gallon.
Amtrak
Amtrak rail service will also be busy but have enough capacity. Amtrak says the busiest travel days are Friday, Dec. 20 through Christmas Eve on Tuesday, and again on Friday through the weekend before New Year’s Day.
Wherever you travel this holiday season, plan ahead to help avoid stress, travel safely, and enjoy your holiday with family and friends.