Holiday travel rush picks up in Chicago area as travelers head out for new year

CHICAGO (WLS) -- The Transportation Security Administration expects 2025 to be another record-setting year for holiday travel.

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At Chicago's O'Hare airport, there were nearly 60 cancellations by 4 p.m. mostly due to weather. There were only about 10 cancellations over at Midway.

ABC7 Chicago meteorologist Jaisol Martinez was tracking fog that moved into the area on Friday morning.

O'Hare was bustling with travelers moving and shaking all over the country.

Dave Kelley said he was heading back to Florida, after spending Christmas with family in Chicago.

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In Chicago, passenger volume is expected to climb nearly 6% from last year's travel period.

At O'Hare, the projected busiest travel day already happened on Sunday, Dec. 20.

But at Midway, their busiest travel day is expected on Saturday, Dec. 27.

Nationwide, TSA predicts the heaviest traveler volume on Sunday.

Foggy conditions did reduce visibility at both airports early Friday morning.

"The fog is the only thing I'm concerned about. It kinda feels like spring out there," Deb Shanfeld said.

However, mostly everyone ABC7 spoke to said they had their travel plans fairly uninterrupted.

"Not too bad, no one's yelling or anything like that. It's fairly early; so everyone's pretty chill," Kosi Ogbuli said.

"I have to say I was very surprised, having lived in here and knowing what the holidays are here. It's very impressive, easy to get in; 90 was clear," one traveler said.

"Oh my gosh everything was so smooth leaving O'Hare getting into Denver and then coming back. It's really pretty nice," another said.

For those planning on driving, traffic is expected to be busiest from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday, according to the American Auto Association, or AAA.

Storms could affect travel, as well, on the west and east coasts.

But officials with United and American airlines said they are prepared with extra staffing and flights in place.

Passengers say it has certainly helped.

"Fantastic, everyone in a good mood, we had one delay in Sacramento. And now we're here," said Bridget, who is traveling to Paris.