GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) – Today marks the start of Austin Straubel International Airport’s busiest week of the year.
That according to Airport Director Tom Miller, who expects roughly 10,000 people will go through the terminals for Thanksgiving travel.
“That’s a 20% increase in traffic compared to the same weekend a year ago.”
Miller predicts the trend of Wednesday being the busiest day ahead of the holiday will continue.
However, he expects a change from previous years in weekend travel.
“A lot of people, rather than coming home on Sunday, which is normal, they’re going to be coming back on Saturday.”
Miller says people should arrive at least 75 minutes before their flight.
“TSA has implemented some enhanced screening measures, which are causing a little bit longer wait times in line for clearing the security checkpoint.”
He explains how this week compares to travel around next month’s holiday season.
“There’s a wider range of dates in which people can travel, almost a two-week period during Christmas, so Thanksgiving is typically our busiest time of year.”
Miller urges travelers who plan to bring Christmas gifts on their Thanksgiving trip not to wrap those items until they arrive at their destination, as packages that cannot be screened could lead to delays.
