Holiday travel season on the rebound

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WHEC) — Holiday travel through the Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport is back in full swing. News10NBC spent some time at the airport talking to some travelers as they arrived in the Finger Lakes region to visit with family and friends.

For the first time in 2 years, the arrivals hall was packed with holiday travelers coming from all points beyond. Except for everyone in face masks, the crowded terminal reminded many of what things used to look like before the pandemic.

There were lots of hugs and kisses inside the arrivals terminal at the airport as many families, and friends saw each other for the first time, in a long time. Kristene Bogacki flew in last night from North Carolina to visit her dad. She’s back at the airport waiting for her son, and daughter to arrive.

"I’m really happy that things are starting to get back to normal. People are traveling, taking precautions, but it’s nice to be able to visit with family, and friends again," Bogacki said.

On one of the busiest pre-holiday travel days of the year, Bogacki said her children’s travel was relatively uneventful.

"My daughter did have a delay but no problems and my son got out of JFK without a hitch," Bogacki said.

The wait seemed like an eternity, but soon enough her daughter Jessica Lynch finally arrived from Tampa, Florida.

"It’s awesome. It’s been a long time since I’ve come home to New York. So I’m excited," Lynch said.

Proud grandfather Mike Yonker says, this is the first time in 20 years both his children, and grandchildren are visiting him for the holidays in Fairport.

"We usually drive down to see them or fly. It’s just nice that they all decided to come home this year for the first time in so long. It’s really special," Yonker said.

After waiting some more his grandson joined in on the reunion.

News10NBC also met one traveler who was stuck at the airport waiting for his chance to see his parents.

Patrick Moussignac: "Speaking of family, where are they?"

Elijah Burke flying in from Charlotte, NC: "They’re not here yet. They’re coming to pick me up in a little bit. I haven’t got the text yet. I’m like did you guys forget? You know running a little late. They’ll be here soon."

Between midnight and 11:30 Friday there are 35 flights are scheduled to arrive at the airport.