Millions head home for Christmas on busiest day of festive getaway

Britain's roads, railways and airports are set to be thronged by festive travellers on what is anticipated to be the busiest day for Christmas trips.

The AA has warned of gridlock on Friday, with a survey suggesting as many as 24.4 million cars could hit the roads.

It is also expected to be the busiest day of the Christmas period for airports, with 460,000 journeys planned.

Network Rail has also advised travellers to check their journeys and book a seat if possible.

The AA said this Christmas could be the busiest on record for UK roads, and advised drivers to allow extra time to complete their journeys.

The insurance company said most people driving during the festive period travelled less than 100 miles, meaning congestion is likely around motorway interchanges and retail destinations.

Some of the interchanges expected to be hotspots for congestion near and outside of London include the M3/M25 interchange in Surrey, the M25 around Heathrow and the M25 around Bluewater in Kent.

Outside of London, travellers should expect congestion in areas including on the M8 between Edinburgh and Glasgow, at the M5/M6 interchange near Birmingham, the M1 J10–15a in the East and South Midlands, and the M4 around Cardiff and Newport.

The M27 will be closed between Junction 9 (Whiteley/Park Gate) and Junction 11 (Fareham East/Gosport) from Christmas Eve to 4 January, so anyone travelling in Hampshire should plan alternative routes.

AA patrol expert Shaun Jones said patience behind the wheel "will be your best present this year".

"Today marks one of the busiest days of the Christmas getaway, with millions of drivers expected to hit the roads," he said.

"With more than 24 million car journeys forecast today, our advice is simple: plan ahead, check live traffic updates before you set off, and allow extra time for your journey."

Friday is also expected to be the busiest day of the festive season for airports.

Heathrow Airport is expecting to record its busiest ever December and Christmas Day, with about 250,000 passengers a day travelling through the airport.

Manchester Airport is also on track for a record Christmas period, and Friday is expected to be the busiest day.

In the lead up to the busy period, the airport's managing director Chris Woodroofe said there were several things passengers could do to ensure they had a smooth experience, including checking in ahead of time and taking gifts through security unwrapped.

"You want your presents to be opened by your loved ones, not our security staff," he said.

Edinburgh Airport estimates nearly 250,000 people will pass through the airport between Friday and Christmas Eve, heading to destinations including Tenerife and Paris.

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) said flying on Christmas Day was becoming more popular.

It advised customers to know their rights in case their flight is cancelled or delayed.

If this happens, airlines are required to support passengers. This can include:

• Providing food and drink during extended delays
• Covering accommodation if passengers are delayed overnight
• Offering a refund or alternative travel if a flight is cancelled

If your flight is cancelled, and it is covered by UK law, your airline must let you choose between either getting a refund or being booked on to an alternative flight.

You can check if your flight is covered under UK law here.

Network Rail also encouraged passengers to allow extra time for train travel. Improvement works taking place over the Christmas period mean several routes will be closed or restricted.

Information on what routes will be closed for repairs can be found on the Network Rail website.

National Rail trains do not run on Christmas Day and only a small number will run on Boxing Day.

Daniel Mann, director of industry operations at the Rail Delivery Group, said: "We encourage customers to reserve seats where possible, bring only luggage that is easy to carry and fits in designated storage areas, and allow extra time for their journeys."