Community Corner

Travel Tips if You're Leaving the Inland Empire for the Holidays

Arrive early at Ontario International Airport, check freeway traffic online, and be aware that the CHP is planning maximum enforcement.

This week and next will see crowded highways and airports, with the AAA predicting 94.5 million Americans will journey 50 miles or more from home for the Christmas and New Year's holidays. 

The AAA's year-end holiday forecast is for a 0.6 percent increase in travel from last year. 

"While economic growth has stagnated and consumer confidence has fallen, Americans will not be Scrooges when it comes to traveling this year,” said AAA Chief Operating Officer Marshall L. Doney.

Here are six tips from Patch if you're traveling out of the Inland Empire for the Christmas holidays: 

1. Buckle Up and Don't Drink

The California Highway Patrol will engage in a Maximum Enforcement Period from 6 p.m. on Christmas Eve through 11:59 p.m. on Christmas Day. In addition to assisting motorists, CHP officers will be on heightened alert for drivers who speed, fail to buckle-up, or appear to be driving under the influence.

2. Check Traffic Before You Pull Out

The AAA predicts 91 percent of holiday trips will be by car, so check the traffic before you leave. Caltrans and private services like SigAlert have online maps that show current traffic conditions.

3. Arrive Early at Ontario International

While not as crowded as LAX during the holidays, Ontario International Airport will see busier-than-normal traffic. Airport officials recommend arriving 1½ hours early for domestic flights and 2½ hours early for international flights. 

4. Airport Parking May Be Limited

Call ahead to make sure there's parking at public or private lots. You can call (909) 937-1240 for information about public lots at Ontario International.

5. Check the TSA's Latest Rules

If you haven't flown in awhile, it's a good idea to check the Transportation Security Administration website for information about what you can and cannot take through security.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

More from Claremont-La Verne