Christmas Eve Travel Surprisingly Normal

Monday, December 24th 2007, 9:14 pm

By: News On 6

Clear skies and temperatures in the 50's translated into on-time arrivals for most holiday travelers. The News On 6â€™s Chris Wright reports fortunately for travelers, there were no hangovers from that winter storm that caused headaches across the Midwest this weekend. In fact, nearly all the flights coming into Tulsa International Airport Monday afternoon arrived on time.

The situation had looked dire on Sunday. Snow and high winds forced the cancellation of more than 300 flights in Chicago, even forcing some to spend the night at the Airport, but those winds died down by Monday, and better weather meant an early Christmas present for travelers: on-time arrivals, if you were flying in from anywhere but O'Hare.

"No, it wasn't too bad, I was kind of surprised, but I made a point of flying through Dallas instead of Chicago, so that helps," said Kim Long.

A steady stream of travelers made their way through the terminal at Tulsa International Airport, returning home in time for Christmas Eve. Instead of arriving with gifts in hand, some went as far as to gift-wrap themselves.

"I'm my Nana's Christmas present. I'm the best present there is, and I think it's cute," said Lauren Bass.

The reunions continued, as grandparents hugged grandchildren, and sons embraced mom and dad. One little guy traveled all the way from San Diego to be with his father on Christmas. It was his first time on an airplane, so an airport employee made sure he arrived safely in Green Country.

"Just Santa's Helper, just his helper. Santa's going to be busy tonight. Only his helper, but it's fun," said Sean Monier.

His arrival ended some anxious moments for dad, but signaled the beginning of Christmas for the family.

"It was nervous, it was nervous man. I've never flown, this was his first time flying before. I was nervous, I was just waiting for the sign to say arrived," said Kendrick Fisher.

Officials say icy roads across the northern plains still presented a problem for holiday travelers. Nineteen deaths have been blamed on that icy blast this weekend.

Watch the video: Christmas Eve Travel Mostly Normal