TSA urging preparation and patience ahead of holiday rush

CHARLOTTE, N.C. —A record number of Americans are expected to be traveling this holiday season. 

According to AAA, over 122 million people will journey at least 50 miles from home between December 20 and January 1, marking a 2.2% increase over last year’s record. 

This includes a projected 8.03 million air travelers nationwide, the highest AAA said it’s recorded for the year-end holiday period. 

In North Carolina, officials at Charlotte Douglas International Airport said they are preparing for a busy stretch of travel as winter holidays get underway. 

Between December 16 and January 4, CLT expects about 2.7 million passengers to arrive and depart, down roughly 13% from the same period last year, according to airport officials. Despite the decrease, airport officials said passengers could experience busy times amid peak commuting days. 

The Transportation Security Administration told Spectrum News 1, this weekend marks the beginning of one of the busiest travel periods of the season.

Greg Hawko, TSA federal security director for North Carolina, said his team has taken steps to ensure they’re ready to handle the expected holiday rush. 

“We prepare in advance to ensure all our officers are prepared and ready for the passengers. We have additional staff that comes on,” Hawko said. 

Officials say some of the heaviest local departure days are expected to include Friday, December 19, as well as December 26-27, following Christmas.  

TSA is urging travelers to take steps that help keep security screening moving efficiently. 

“Especially at the holiday season, we have lot of passengers who do not routinely travel throughout the year,” Hawko said. “Sometimes, it can be a little daunting.” 

“When you start packing, start with an empty bag. Make sure there’s nothing else left in the bag, especially if you’re carrying that bag on the airplane. Make sure you do not pack any prohibited items in that bag,” Hawko said.

Hawko said airport workers often see a great deal of people traveling with gifts this season. 

“I highly recommend not completely wrapping those items and potentially wrapping them when you get there,” Hawko said. “A great alternative that would make your process easier is using gift bags, so we can easily see what’s inside and not mess up a beautiful wrapping job.”

“Allow yourself enough time to park, drop off rental car, check a bag, and please bring your patience to the check point,” Hawko said. 

Some travelers at Charlotte Douglas said their experiences so far have been smooth. 

“No concerns at all,” said Brad Furby, a South Carolina resident flying out of Charlotte Douglas. 

Some fliers planning on traveling later in the week said it is still early but expressed some concerns.

Other riders said they remain optimistic flights will take off with no challenges next week, amid a possible holiday rush. 

“The government is no longer shut down, so a lot of workers are still available,” said traveler Jared Eummer. “So, no necessary concerns.”

AAA’s forecast shows driving remains the dominant mode of holiday travel with over 109 million Americans expected to take road trips this year-end. AAA cites lower gas prices and convenience as reasons for people choosing to hit the roads this holiday season. 

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