Thousands of jet-setters will be spending Christmas in far-flung places like New York and Hong Kong, according to British Airways.
About two million passengers will be flying with the airline over the holiday period to stay with family and friends or soak up the sun on a beach.
The flag-carrier said Thursday would be the busiest day, with 50,000 travellers departing from Gatwick and Heathrow.
The Big Apple has emerged as the top long-haul Christmas retreat, followed by the beaches of Miami and the warmth of Hong Kong.
Paris is the leading European destination, followed by Geneva and Madrid.
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