thedrifter
12-22-06, 05:35 AM
Hitting the highways and flyways
December 22,2006
Kelley Chambers
DAILY NEWS STAFF
Lucas Anderson sifted through his backpack one last time Thursday before boarding the next Greyhound bound for Ohio.
Having just graduated from Camp Geiger’s School of Infantry, the Marine Corps private was eager to spend Christmas with those he loved.
But he was not as eager to burn a hole in his wallet getting there.
“A lot of people are going on a plane, but it’s way too expensive,” said Anderson, 19. “I think it would have cost me $350 or $400 one way. I think my bus ticket cost about $130.”
Holiday traffic picked up Thursday on Onslow County’s roadways, airport and bus terminal. It’ll get more hectic today and Saturday as folks head out to see family and friends for Christmas.
As always, travelers are being urged to practice a little patience and civility.
“People always feel like they’re in more of a hurry than anybody else,” said 1st. Sgt. Mike Fields with the N.C. Highway Patrol. “They need to slow down, concentrate and get there, because if you don’t, it’s bad for everybody.”
Driving has been the No. 1 mode of holiday travel for the past four years, according to AAA of the Carolinas, which projected the southeastern United States to produce the largest number of motorists and air travelers, at 13.8 and 2.7 million, respectively.
In North Carolina the average gas price this weekend is $2.27 — up 9 cents from last year, according to the emergency roadside service company.
To make driving a little easier, the state Department of Transportation will suspend most road construction activities, and the Highway Patrol will also be out this weekend. They will also assist military police on nearby bases today when service members are released for the holiday weekend.
Drivers can avoid accidents by staying alert, exuding a little light-hearted holiday cheer and above all, resisting road rage, Fields said.
“Everyone is usually bumper to bumper at 75 to 80 miles per hour on (Interstate) 95,” Fields said. “When one person has a problem, everybody has a problem. Slow down and you’ll get there, and always wear a seat belt — that’s the main thing that kills people.”
At Albert J. Ellis Airport, the rush started as early as Wednesday, thanks in part to the many Marines who left early, said airport customer service supervisor Clint Sloan.
“It’s been busy, busy, busy,” Sloan said. “Everything is full.”
More than 321,000 North Carolinians will travel via air between now and New Year, according to AAA. Ellis airport carrier US Airways offers connecting flights to Charlote and Philadelphia while Delta offers service to Atlanta.
Arriving an hour and a half early can work wonders, Sloan said, and is oftentimes recommended.
“If someone has a 7:05 p.m. flight, many still think they can get to the airport and get on the plane at 7:04 p.m.,” Sloan said.
But for many young travelers like Anderson on a tight budget and without a car, a bus ride is more economical. Single service members tend to make up for the majority of bus travelers from Jacksonville, said Elvis Latiolias, general manager for Carolina Trailways, a subsidiary of Greyhound Bus Lines.
“This is an exciting time for bus travel,” Latiolias said. “This is our busiest time of the year.”
In light of the savings, however, bus travel requires a high level of patience and technology not suitable for just anyone.
“If you’re impatient it’s bad, but if you can relax and enjoy the ride it’s not so bad,” said Lucas, who kept his MP3 player, CDs and books close at hand.
“It’s not nearly as stressful as an airport.”
Contact Kelley Chambers at kchambers@freedomenc.com or 353-1171, ext. 235
Ellie
December 22,2006
Kelley Chambers
DAILY NEWS STAFF
Lucas Anderson sifted through his backpack one last time Thursday before boarding the next Greyhound bound for Ohio.
Having just graduated from Camp Geiger’s School of Infantry, the Marine Corps private was eager to spend Christmas with those he loved.
But he was not as eager to burn a hole in his wallet getting there.
“A lot of people are going on a plane, but it’s way too expensive,” said Anderson, 19. “I think it would have cost me $350 or $400 one way. I think my bus ticket cost about $130.”
Holiday traffic picked up Thursday on Onslow County’s roadways, airport and bus terminal. It’ll get more hectic today and Saturday as folks head out to see family and friends for Christmas.
As always, travelers are being urged to practice a little patience and civility.
“People always feel like they’re in more of a hurry than anybody else,” said 1st. Sgt. Mike Fields with the N.C. Highway Patrol. “They need to slow down, concentrate and get there, because if you don’t, it’s bad for everybody.”
Driving has been the No. 1 mode of holiday travel for the past four years, according to AAA of the Carolinas, which projected the southeastern United States to produce the largest number of motorists and air travelers, at 13.8 and 2.7 million, respectively.
In North Carolina the average gas price this weekend is $2.27 — up 9 cents from last year, according to the emergency roadside service company.
To make driving a little easier, the state Department of Transportation will suspend most road construction activities, and the Highway Patrol will also be out this weekend. They will also assist military police on nearby bases today when service members are released for the holiday weekend.
Drivers can avoid accidents by staying alert, exuding a little light-hearted holiday cheer and above all, resisting road rage, Fields said.
“Everyone is usually bumper to bumper at 75 to 80 miles per hour on (Interstate) 95,” Fields said. “When one person has a problem, everybody has a problem. Slow down and you’ll get there, and always wear a seat belt — that’s the main thing that kills people.”
At Albert J. Ellis Airport, the rush started as early as Wednesday, thanks in part to the many Marines who left early, said airport customer service supervisor Clint Sloan.
“It’s been busy, busy, busy,” Sloan said. “Everything is full.”
More than 321,000 North Carolinians will travel via air between now and New Year, according to AAA. Ellis airport carrier US Airways offers connecting flights to Charlote and Philadelphia while Delta offers service to Atlanta.
Arriving an hour and a half early can work wonders, Sloan said, and is oftentimes recommended.
“If someone has a 7:05 p.m. flight, many still think they can get to the airport and get on the plane at 7:04 p.m.,” Sloan said.
But for many young travelers like Anderson on a tight budget and without a car, a bus ride is more economical. Single service members tend to make up for the majority of bus travelers from Jacksonville, said Elvis Latiolias, general manager for Carolina Trailways, a subsidiary of Greyhound Bus Lines.
“This is an exciting time for bus travel,” Latiolias said. “This is our busiest time of the year.”
In light of the savings, however, bus travel requires a high level of patience and technology not suitable for just anyone.
“If you’re impatient it’s bad, but if you can relax and enjoy the ride it’s not so bad,” said Lucas, who kept his MP3 player, CDs and books close at hand.
“It’s not nearly as stressful as an airport.”
Contact Kelley Chambers at kchambers@freedomenc.com or 353-1171, ext. 235
Ellie