Lejeune Marine lucks out on busy travel day

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — It’s one of the busiest travel days a year, with millions flying and driving. But for one Camp Lejeune Marine, it was a smooth trip that actually ended up with him getting home earlier than he thought.

According to AAA, 46 million people will be traveling for this holiday. Marine Ryan Lochlin is one of those travelers, heading to Philadelphia for the holiday.

“I just got a phone call that it’s snowing in Philadelphia,” Lochlin said.

But the snow and storms aren’t stopping Lochlin and fellow travelers. With gas prices about 43 cents less this year compared to last year, gas station employees said the pumps started getting busy Tuesday night. Rachel Callaghan, like Lochlin, is also heading to Philadelphia; however, she’s driving.

“That’s probably the cheapest that’s been to fill up, Callaghan said. “It’s cheaper and I can carry my luggage better that way.”

Storms and long driving hours don’t affect Callaghan and her plans.

“My whole family is up there and my brother is in the Thanksgiving day parade,” Callaghan said.

Whether by air or by car, officials urge people to be patient. Wilmington International Airport Operations Manager Gary Taylor echos that message.

“Pack your patience, and be ready for the travel. Stay in tough with your airline. That’s the one thing we can do with the weather the way it is right now. They’ll stay on top of it as far as trying to get you rebooked if need be for a connection if you happen to look like you’re going to miss a connection,” Taylor said.

“I’m on vacation so as long as it takes, it takes I’ll get there eventually,” Lochlin said.

Patience, possible good karma or just the luck of the draw was certainly the case for the Marine. He found out something he never thought he’d hear the day before Thanksgiving.

“She said she had a flight leaving at 1:31 p.m. so I hopped on that flight instead of my original 3:30 p.m. flight. So, they bumped me up. So I’ll get home sooner,” Lochlin said.