Dylan Dreyer Delays Springfield Arrival Until 3 a.m. for Route 66 Episode

dylan dreyer and Al Roker spent Tuesday night stuck at a New York airport while heading to Springfield, Missouri, for Today’s third-hour Route 66 episode. Dreyer said the crew did not reach Missouri until 3 a.m. local time, and Angie Lassman filled in on Wednesday’s broadcast.

Dreyer’s Airport Posts

Dreyer posted on Tuesday, April 28, that she and Today crew members were still waiting to travel. She followed with photos of the group napping on chairs and collecting free toothbrushes from Delta Air Lines, then posted a video of Roker and the crew applauding when she returned from the bathroom.

She also wrote that she was sharing videos of her kids with Roker because everyone was bored at the airport. In another caption, Dreyer said, “Now everyone is just delirious…@alroker starting a clap as I return from the dang bathroom.”

Springfield Route 66 Tour

The trip was for a prerecorded special episode of the third hour set in Springfield, described as the birthplace of Route 66. Dreyer said on the March 30 episode that viewers would be taken on a tour of the city’s local food, music, and stories that made Route 66 famous. The Missouri Route 66 Centennial Commission sponsors the episode, which will air Thursday, April 30.

Roker previewed the trip on Monday, April 27, saying, “Come on down. We’re gonna have a great time…” Dreyer replied, “Without Craig.”

Laura Jarrett arrived in Missouri to fill in for Craig Melvin during the special episode. The broadcast will also feature John Goodman and a performance from Chris Janson.

For viewers, the practical takeaway is simple: the special episode moved ahead despite the overnight travel delay, with substitute anchors stepping in while the regular hosts finished the trip and got on set.