(RALEIGH) -- Triple-A says about 42.5 million people are traveling at least a modest distance to visit family and friends this Thanksgiving holiday weekend. It is the  highest number since the start of the recession in spite of higher gas prices and costlier airfare. Raleigh-Durham International Airport spokeswoman Mindy Hamlin said activity is very busy there.

"The airlines are telling us that most of their flights are full on today (Wednesday) and Saturday, Sunday and Monday following Thanksgiving," said Hamlin.

Bad weather is expected on Wednesday along the east coast.  That could have a direct negative impact on airports in the northeast. Hamlin said, so far, there has been no significant impact at RDU from weather elsewhere.  "We are still recommending that passengers contact their airline before they come to the airport, because even if the weather is fine here, a storm or inclement weather in another area of the country could impact your flight," added Hamlin.

Her advise would apply to any air traveler going out of a North Carolina airport.  If a plane coming from another area is delayed and that plane is scheduled for a departing flight at any one of the many airports in the Tar Heel State, then that departing fight would certainly be impacted.