Festive travel 'set to boom'

Experts have predicted that the number of Americans travelling more than 50 miles from their homes at Christmas will reach its highest ever level this year.

A study by the American Automobile Association (AAA) revealed that 64.9 million Americans are set to travel long distances over the next few weeks, an increase of 2.2 per cent compared with 2005.

In addition, nine million of these are expected to fly to their intended destinations – an increase of 2.7 per cent over last year.

"Airports will be busy this December as Americans visit family and take end of the year vacations to beaches, ski slopes, cruise ships and more," said the AAA.

"We encourage travellers to make their Christmas-new year's plans early, since waiting until the last minute will result in higher rates and fewer options."

A number of airlines have announced plans to lay on extra flights between certain worldwide destinations over the Christmas period, including Singapore Airlines and British Airways.

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