Reagan National Airport (web | news) - The streets of D.C. are full of out-of-town visitors Monday night and more are landing at D.C.-area airports by the second.

The airport authority said Monday was an above average travel day. Saturday was the peak of people coming in, but plenty more were still arriving Monday.

The sounds of the inauguration filled Reagan National Airport Monday, mixed with the sounds of last-minute arrivals coming to the district for Obama's swearing-in ceremony.

Moved by the memory of his late mother, John Elliot of Columbia, S.C. said being in the district for Obama's inauguration was a must.

"I felt compelled that I had to be here. It would have meant just a lot to her...," Elliot said. "She lost her battle with cancer in June."

Elliot said his mother will be on his mind all day Tuesday. "She would become emotional even during her illness when he would speak on television -- I think because she could see all the hopes and dreams of so many other people," he said.

Monday was the second visit to Reagan National Airport for San Jose, Calif. residents Lupe Aguilar and Rosa Campos. They arrived Sunday, but their bags, with their ball gowns inside, arrived Monday.

"I was terrified, the thought of buying new stuff...," said a relieved Aguilar.

The Hamiltons from Fremont, Calif. noted they have a slight problem. There are six people in their party, but they only have two inauguration tickets.

"I have a ticket and I think my mom as long as she can brave the elements -- [my] mom will do," Shelley Hamilton said. 

"It's history in the making," said Rube Robinson, Hamilton's mother. 

The airport authority said they expect Wednesday to be the busiest Inaugural travel day, as many visitors will be heading home. They do expect the rest of the week to be busier than normal.

 Email To Friend