ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Medical experts are recommending people to stay home and keep gatherings small this holiday season. 

Governor Cuomo has negotiated an agreement with three airlines that provide flights from New York City from the United Kingdom to test passengers for a variant of the coronavirus, just one of the many new restrictions and practices while traveling now.

Spectrum News caught up with some folks at the Rochester International Airport who say they can travel safely.

While the airport is emptier than you would expect ahead of Christmas, travel is up now more than it has been this entire pandemic.

One says he has had no problems flying.

"I think most of this has become political more than anything else unfortunately. I think as long as they’re following guidelines I think they’re fine to travel," said Thomas Manning of Washington, D.C.

On Tuesday, the Rochester International Airport has 22 flights departing.

The airport has more than 50 departing flights between Tuesday morning and Christmas Eve heading to major cities.

Triple A predicts more Americans will stay home this holiday season compared to years past because of the pandemic.

More than 84 million Americans are expected to still travel from December 23 to January. That's a decline in travel of 29%.

Travelers should remember to try to get tested before and after their trip to avoid needing to quarantine for two weeks.

“She’s having a rough time. She’s 11 years older than I am, she’s lonely. It’s Christmas time her kids have little kids and it’s not good for them to travel, I visited her in May and had no problems. I’m a maniac about following the precautions," said Janet Flynn of Caledonia.