With U.S. airline industry forecasts calling for the busiest Thanksgiving holiday travel period since 2009, Capital Region International Airport (CRIA) is offering tips to ensure Fly Lansing travelers’ trips go as smoothly as possible.
“Our team is fully prepared for the holiday rush and is committed to getting passengers to their destinations safely and efficiently,” said Bob Selig, CRIA president and CEO.
Airlines for America, an industry trade organization, projects 25.3 million passengers will fly on U.S. airlines during the 12-day holiday travel period, Nov. 20 through Dec. 1. The organization says that represents a 3 percent increase from 2014 and the highest number since the Great Recession, which ended in 2009.
Airlines for America projects the busiest travel days during the Thanksgiving travel period will be – ranked in order – Sunday, Nov. 29; Monday, Nov. 30; and Wednesday, Nov. 25. The lightest days will be Thursday, Nov. 26, and Friday, Nov. 27.
The Fly Lansing Concierge Travel Center recommends several tips to make traveling over the holidays more manageable.
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Head to the airport early and relax. Airport security screening lines are fast and efficient in Lansing, but during peak periods travelers should arrive at least 90 minutes before a flight. Once you arrive at the airport, take a breath, relax and begin your vacation.
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Check your flight before you leave. In order to save some time waiting, check your flight’s arrival/departure status prior to leaving for the airport. Weather delays and flight changes can change the course of your travel plans. Fly Lansing travelers can check the status of flights at www.flylansing.com/flights.
- Don’t be afraid to check a bag. Carry-ons are great, but don’t let airline charges scare you from checking your bags. With so many people traveling and bringing carry-ons, checking luggage prior to security can simplify your travel experience. You will make it through security quicker and easier without another bag to carry.
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Follow the 3-1-1 rule: three-ounce bottles or less for all liquids, gels and aerosols, placed in a one-quart-size clear plastic zip-top bag to hold all small bottles, and one bag per passenger. Larger quantities of liquids may be packed in checked baggage.
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Be prepared. Have your one-quart bags ready in an easily accessible place before you head to the security line. Laptops must also be taken out of bags and placed in security bins. To lessen your stress and avoid the scramble to find your items in line, have everything ready for security before you hit the line.
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Dress smart. Wear comfortable clothing and easy-to-slip-on shoes. Take everything out of pockets before screening. Don’t wear clothes with a high metal content, and put heavy jewelry on after you go through security.
- Hold the wrapping for later. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) recommends that passengers do not travel with wrapped packages in their carry-on bags, so hold on the wrapping paper until you make it to your destination.
Additional security information and travel tops can be found at TSA.gov.
