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Charlotte travelers head to the airport early for anticipated holiday delays

AAA is anticipating almost pre-pandemic travel numbers on the road this holiday weekend.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Fourth of July travel is underway and experts are warning travelers to get ready for long security lines and plenty of drivers on the road.

AAA is anticipating almost pre-pandemic travel numbers on the road this holiday weekend.

Although most people will be traveling by car, there are still worries about how airlines will hold up.

"I suggest everybody does their research, just to get in and get out because it's gonna get real busy," Victor Ordon, who arrived almost four hours early to his flight at Charlotte Douglas International Airport, said. 

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Amid a pilot shortage, travel delays, and cancellations, American Airlines is offering pilots pay raises totaling nearly 17% under a new contract. In addition to United Airlines and its pilots reached a tentative agreement with its pilots to raise pay by 14%. 

RELATED: QC Happenings: Things to do Fourth of July weekend in Charlotte

Instead of family fun and fireworks, you could be dealing with frustration if you’re taking the skies this holiday weekend. Your flight being canceled is a possibility. 

"Everyone is having problems dealing with the combinations of not enough staff, not enough equipment and all sorts of weather problems," Charlie Leocha, a spokesperson from Travelers United, said. 

Airport anxiety is sending many people to the roads.  AAA anticipates 42 million people behind the wheels for the weekend. High gas prices are not keeping people at home. 

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Get ready to pay with cash or time to enjoy the holidays. 

"I travel a lot so just try to be calm and not get angry but it's it's pretty frustrating," John Nina, a frequent flyer stopping in Charlotte during a layover, said. 

RELATED: The cost of hosting a cookout this 4th of July

Charlotte Douglass Airport is also warning passengers about limited parking availability at the airport. They advise people to use a rideshare app, reserve a parking spot, or use public transportation.  

Contact Shamarria Morrison at smorrison@wcnc.com and follow her on FacebookTwitter and Instagram.

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