Weekend storm could cause travel headaches for Maritimers

Holiday travel is starting to ramp up at the Maritimes’ largest airport.

“December is typically a very busy month for travel and typically this weekend ahead is one of our peak busy weekends,” says Jessica Pettigrew, communications advisor for the Halifax Stanfield International Airport.

An approaching nor’easter could cancel many of those flights this weekend.

Those travelling Thursday considered themselves lucky.

“Today was our original plan. Thankfully it wasn't during the snow,” Samantha Thompson says.

“Looks like we picked it perfectly, coming in before the bad weather,” says Christopher Flinn.

It's not just a busy time in the skies in Canada. If you're flying south of the border, you won't be alone. Forty million flyers are expected in the U.S. between Thursday and Jan. 2.

“Hanukkah and Christmas are on the same day this year, so we can anticipate some added volume because of that,” says Thomas Carter, New Jersey’s TSA federal security director.

The crowds and the uncertainty around the weather can be overwhelming for some.

“It can be stressful because of the weather and I'm always stressed about my flights being delayed, but it's mainly just the stress of getting home,” says university student Khiara MacDougall.

Pettigrew says the best way to deal with travel problems is to be informed.

“If you have travel plans for the weekend, we know there is some inclement weather in the forecast, so definitely recommend people to look for updates from their airlines, checking what that flight status is before heading to the airport.”