Emer Moreau<\/span>Business reporter<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n <\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n 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.<\/p>\n The AA has warned of gridlock on Friday, with a survey suggesting as many as 24.4 million cars could hit the roads.<\/p>\n It is also expected to be the busiest day of the Christmas period for airports, with 460,000 journeys planned.<\/p>\n Network Rail has also advised travellers to check their journeys and book a seat if possible.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n AA patrol expert Shaun Jones said patience behind the wheel “will be your best present this year”.<\/p>\n “Plan ahead, check your route, and allow extra time,” he said.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Information on what routes will be closed for repairs can be found on the Network Rail website<\/a>.<\/p>\n National Rail trains do not run on Christmas Day and only a small number will run on Boxing Day.<\/p>\n 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.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Friday is expected to be the busiest day of the festive season for airports, but the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) said flying on Christmas Day was becoming more popular.<\/p>\n It advised customers to know their rights in case their flight is cancelled or delayed<\/a>.<\/p>\n If this happens, airlines are required to support passengers. This can include:<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n You can check if your flight is covered under UK law here<\/a>.<\/p>\n The CAA also said that travellers can minimise their risk of delays by ensuring their cases are packed correctly.<\/p>\n This includes leaving presents unwrapped as they may need to be inspected.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n![](\"https:\/\/static.files.bbci.co.uk\/bbcdotcom\/web\/20251210-151139-37baf2dfdd-web-2.36.1-1\/grey-placeholder.png\")
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Getty Images<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\nDrivers told to allow extra time<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
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