INDIANAPOLIS -- Traffic was brisk at Indianapolis International Airport as thousands of Hoosiers hopped aboard planes to head out of the city for the holidays as others arrived for the same purpose.

AAA projected that about 38 million Americans will be on the roads, rails and skies this holiday weekend, about the same as last year.

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There are fewer planes, but more trains and cars on the road as travelers gravitate toward cheaper alternatives, 6News' Julie Pursley reported.

"I'm going home to see my family," said Elizabeth Conant, who was headed to Oregon, a common refrain for most travelers 6News spoke to.

The number of people flying in and out of Indianapolis is up 17 percent from the day before Thanksgiving last year, officials said. Overall, the weekend is expected to be up 14 percent from 2008, much better than the airport originally forecast.

"Actually, we've called it an early Christmas present," said Chris Matney, air service director. "It's a great testament to the consumer confidence that we have in the Indianapolis region to see that many more passengers flying this holiday season."

While the number of travelers is up, there are 7 percent fewer flights leaving Indianapolis, which means many flights are packed to the gills.