FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) - As the classic Christmas song says, "There’s no place like home for the holidays." However, as millions prepare to visit family this weekend, travel experts say the traffic will certainly not be "terrific." The Fresno Yosemite International Airport bustled with anticipation Friday, as families waited eagerly for their loved ones to land. Lisa Collins and her family were among the crowd, waiting for her son Liam to come home from military boot camp. Collins says she felt giddy all day. “Someone asked me, ‘Did you have too much coffee?’ And I said, ‘No! My son is coming home!’” Liam arrived to glittery signs and homemade cards – and, most importantly, tight hugs. His pregnant wife teared up as they embraced. “The meaning of Christmas for me is peace and knowing that your family is around you and safe,” Collins said. Millions just like Liam will travel to reunite with loved ones this week. AAA expects it to be the busiest Christmas travel season ever. Air travel tips 1.4 million people will fly out of California, and a combined 574 flights will take off and land at the Fresno Yosemite International Airport from Dec. 23 until Dec. 29. Unfortunately, Rudolf’s bright red nose won’t be there to guide every plane through the fog. So, airport spokesperson Vikkie Calderon encourages travelers to prepare for delays. YourCentralValley.com witnessed many such delays on Friday. “Stay in contact with your airline regarding your flight status before leaving for the airport,” Calderon said. She also recommends travelers download their airline’s app to keep track of their flights. Though she says avoiding travel delays starts while packing a suitcase. “Because passengers are traveling with gifts during this time of the year… Do not wrap those gifts… Place them possibly in a gift bag or unwrapped in the event that the item needs to be inspected when going through the screening process,” Calderon said. Road travel tips 14 million Californians will drive to their holiday festivities this year, according to AAA. Santa did bring each of them an early Christmas gift, though. Gas prices are the lowest they have been this time of year since 2020. “Today you're paying about $0.30 cheaper than you were a year ago. That's per gallon,” AAA of Northern California spokesperson John Treanor said. One thing that may not feel like a gift, though, is the traffic. He says the best way to reduce road rage and avoid the crowd is to leave early in the morning. “We think 1-7 is really going to be the busiest time on roadways over those three days. If you can leave earlier, before 10 a.m., before noon, you’re going to be better for it,” Treanor said. He expects Saturday, Sunday and Monday to be the busiest travel days, so anyone traveling over the weekend is encouraged to leave early.