U.S. Holiday Travel Rush

A record one-third of the U.S. population is expected to take to the nation's roads, rails and skies for Christmas and New Year's travel, prompting airports to trot out unusual perks like free ice skating and live reindeer to soothe the stressed crowds.

The American Automobile Association expects 112.5 million Americans, around a third of the U.S. population and about 4% more than last year, to travel by car, train and plane from Dec. 22 to Jan. 1.

Several airports have planned perks to calm travellers’ addled nerves. Denver International Airport plans to offer free ice skating, while Seattle-Tacoma International Airport will have a gift-wrapping station and live reindeer on site through the weekend.

Hungry passengers flying through Philadelphia will have a chance to buy "emotional support" chicken nuggets in a poultry-shaped container at the airport's Popeye's.

Alaska Airlines will mark Friday's National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day by offering early boarding to anyone wearing an ugly Christmas sweater.