An American Eagle plane awaits passengers at Green Bay Austin Straubel International Airport. (PHOTO/WTAQ News)
GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) – While health officials continue to caution against travel this holiday season, airport officials are still predicting a significant rise in traffic this week – and through the end of the year.
“We’re expecting this to be probably the busiest week the industry has seen since the pandemic started back in March,” said Green Bay Austin Straubel International Airport Director Marty Piette. “The nation’s airports are expecting at least 1 million passengers to go through the screening each day over the holiday season. At GRB, we are no exception to that. Airlines have added capacity, they’ve also added flights to accommodate the increased demand.”
Airports like GRB are expecting to see passenger levels approach pre-pandemic levels over the next few weeks. But it likely still won’t be quite up to par with holiday travel of years-passed.
“Depending on the day, we’ll still be probably down 30 percent or so from pre-COVID. But we’ve been averaging 60 to 65 percent down, so the levels are increasing. We’re still not to pre-COVID levels, but just getting closer,” Piette said.
“Green Bay is about 35 percent traveled right now, so we’ve been averaging 60 to 70 percent down we get a 3 day advance prediction – so we’re probably looking at maybe hitting 40 maybe 45 percent here at GRB,” said TSA Wisconsin Federal Security Director Mark Lendvay. “I think nationwide we may have airports at 70-75 percent, especially down in Florida.”
While COVID concerns still swirl for some, Lendvay says it’s all about a personal decision on whether each individual feels it’s worth the risk to celebrate a tradition with family.
“All of us have to continue to live our lives and we also have to support the economy as well,” Lendvay said. “That’s a balancing act with this going on, and I think for a lot of us, a lot of plans have been curtailed.”
Around Thanksgiving, along with most other holidays, people usually find their way out of town early at some point. But everyone tends to come back around the same time.
“Thursday, Thanksgiving Day, typically is slow. But then we’ll start seeing people returning home – whether that’s coming back to Green Bay or going home. Friday, Saturday, Sunday will be the busiest days,” Piette told WTAQ News.
As for planning your trip around new COVID procedures and even the current weather forecast, officials recommend getting your ducks in a row before you get to the airport.
“[GRB is] already an easy airport to get through even when we are busy, so I don’t see any issues as far as backlogs or anything. I know there’s some snow expected, so travelers should pay attention to the weather and check with their airlines,” Piette said. “Maybe bring some snacks along. Every airport is a little bit different right now with the restaurant and gift shop hours, so it can be challenging to find food at other airports. Just plan ahead.”
Another reminder for travelers this holiday season – get to the airport about 90 minutes prior to your boarding time.
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