Travelers crowded Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport on Monday as they made their way home or headed out to their holiday destinations.
Many hugs were seen as family and friends saw loved ones again. Forrest Garriga was meeting his grandson, Ryder, for the first time.
"I'm so excited to have them home. We didn't think we could pull it off with the schedules and stuff – it just worked out," said Garriga.
The USO and Atlanta Falcons cheerleaders greeted those arriving at the airport in military uniform, including Petty Officer Marcel Clark, who said he was surprising his family.
For the travelers the balloons and the flowers and the fanfare meant one thing: home.
"I will be here for 48 hours and it's nice to have the chance to come home for the holidays and see my family. I have not seen them in a couple months since I moved to Arizona so it's nice just to be here for the holidays and come home for a little bit," said one woman.
No significant delays were being reported on Christmas Eve at Hartsfield-Jackson Airport.
Saturday, May 25 2013 5:03 PM EDT2013-05-25 21:03:38 GMT
Three people remain at an Atlanta hospital a day after they were injured aboard a hotel shuttle bus that crashed with a tractor-trailer near the city's airport.
Three people remain at an Atlanta hospital a day after they were injured aboard a hotel shuttle bus that crashed with a tractor-trailer near the city's airport.
Saturday, May 25 2013 4:19 PM EDT2013-05-25 20:19:38 GMT
Georgia stands to lose $1.8 million in funding because state officials refuse to participate in a federal survey that asks high school and middle school students about their sexual history.
Georgia stands to lose $1.8 million in funding because state officials refuse to participate in a federal survey that asks high school and middle school students about their sexual history.