Around 180,000 people estimated to fly in and out of RIC airports for Thanksgiving

HENRICO COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- Tens of millions are hitting the road or are taking their seats on flights ahead of Thanksgiving, and Richmond is no exception to the bustling holiday travel.

According to AAA, two million people in Virginia will be traveling for the holiday. Richmond International Airport (RIC) estimates that 180,000 people will be flying in and out of the airport for Thanksgiving.

Between last Thursday and this upcoming Monday, Dec. 1, an estimated 180,000 people are set to go in and out of airports which is on par with last year. If you are one of those people, RIC staff say to arrive 90 minutes before your departure time.

If you are flying with wrapped gifts, security may have to unwrap it if alarms go off--RIC recommends travelers to wrap their gifts after landing.

Some travelers arriving to Richmond tell 8News they had no issues with security or delays, which was refreshing compared to traveling during the height of America's longest government shutdown.

Others like Laura Youngquist, and AJ Aranda flying from RIC to Texas have to wait, but not because of security or staffing limitations.

"As we were parking, we got a notification that our first flight was delayed, and we got here a whole two hours ahead of time," Youngquist said. "The reason they had was a delay, I think, on the flight coming in."

AAA said many more are electing to drive to their Thanksgiving dinners with loved ones as 1.9 million people will be on Virginia roads for the holiday.

If you're driving, AAA advises that you check your car battery, tires and brakes for smooth sailing this holiday.

Whatever your method is, Youngquist is offering advice to other travelers, and says to purchase insurance for your travel if you're able and can afford it.