COLUMBIA, SC (WOLO) — According to AAA projections, around 80 million Americans will be traveling more than 50 miles from home just this Thanksgiving. Approximately 6 million of those holiday travelers expect to fly to get to their destinations. Midlands residents flying Columbia Metropolitan Airport say they prefer the local airport over driving to a larger one in another city. No matter why you decide to fly CAE, Kim Crafton with the airport says they encourage you to check their rates first before going elsewhere. CAE saw more than 1.2 million travelers in 2023 and staff expects 2024 to be a record breaking year. Tuesday was one of the busiest travel days for those flying home for Thanksgiving.