Airports say to arrive extra early for a record breaking year of Thanksgiving travel
RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- It’s a record-breaking year for Thanksgiving travel. According to AAA, air travel will be up nationwide. The key suggestion from airports is to arrive early. Long lines and big crowds could take that thankful spirit and throw it right out the window. “It’s busy at the airport," said Emily McGee, a spokesperson for Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority. McGee works for Dulles and Ronald Reagan International Airports in Northern Virginia. She said the airports are packed but the lines are moving. “Not much we can do if you get to the airport 30 minutes before your flight," she said. "There’s not much anybody can do to help you, so get to the airport early as they always say.” She recommends two hours early for a domestic flight and three hours for an international one. AAA said there'll be a 2.1% increase over last year in Thanksgiving holiday air travel nationwide. That increase is being felt here in Virginia as the holiday air travel ticks up from last year by 1%, and nearly 6% from 2019. “You just need to give yourself a little bit of extra time, and a little bit of extra patience too," McGee said. If you miss your flight or it gets canceled, you need to get in contact with the airline ASAP. “At that point, you’re really in the hands of the airline," McGee said. Always have a Plan B because flights could be overbooked. There will be hotels close by, but AAA said there’s been a 28% increase in the cost of hotels compared to last year. And make sure you have your ID and know what you can and cannot take in a carry-on. This helps lines run smoother. "Hey, our agents are working on the holiday to get you home safely so give a little grace and be patient," McGee said. "Remember everybody working at the airport on a Sunday is working over the holidays to help you as a passenger." McGee urged passengers to remember all these tips again on Sunday if they're traveling back home. TSA anticipates screening 3 million people on Sunday. That will be the most in one day this year.
VENN
RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- It’s a record-breaking year for Thanksgiving travel. According to AAA, air travel will be up nationwide. The key suggestion from airports is to arrive early.
Long lines and big crowds could take that thankful spirit and throw it right out the window.
“It’s busy at the airport," said Emily McGee, a spokesperson for Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority.
McGee works for Dulles and Ronald Reagan International Airports in Northern Virginia. She said the airports are packed but the lines are moving.
“Not much we can do if you get to the airport 30 minutes before your flight," she said. "There’s not much anybody can do to help you, so get to the airport early as they always say.”
She recommends two hours early for a domestic flight and three hours for an international one.
AAA said there'll be a 2.1% increase over last year in Thanksgiving holiday air travel nationwide. That increase is being felt here in Virginia as the holiday air travel ticks up from last year by 1%, and nearly 6% from 2019.
“You just need to give yourself a little bit of extra time, and a little bit of extra patience too," McGee said.
If you miss your flight or it gets canceled, you need to get in contact with the airline ASAP.
“At that point, you’re really in the hands of the airline," McGee said.
Always have a Plan B because flights could be overbooked. There will be hotels close by, but AAA said there’s been a 28% increase in the cost of hotels compared to last year. And make sure you have your ID and know what you can and cannot take in a carry-on. This helps lines run smoother.
"Hey, our agents are working on the holiday to get you home safely so give a little grace and be patient," McGee said. "Remember everybody working at the airport on a Sunday is working over the holidays to help you as a passenger."
McGee urged passengers to remember all these tips again on Sunday if they're traveling back home. TSA anticipates screening 3 million people on Sunday. That will be the most in one day this year.
