WASHINGTON (DC News Now) — The Tuesday and Wednesday before Thanksgiving are expected to be one of the busiest travel days for the holiday as millions of people get ready to board their flights.
“Just what a smooth ride, you know, no delays, get there and come back,” said passenger Patrick Maye.
Maye arrived at the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport early Tuesday morning to try to beat the long lines, and he was one of many people with the same idea.
“I book the early flight for a reason because I know it gets bad. It’s like sometimes you get delayed or whatever,” said passenger Abe Melloh.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) estimates more than 18 million people to travel by air, which will make it one of the busiest Thanksgiving holiday periods on record. That’s a 6% increase compared to last year.
Officials said they’re prepared to handle the holiday rush, they expect to screen more than three million people on Wednesday and Sunday alone.
Brandon Robinson also known as “Scoop B” is making his way to Los Angeles, California, to spend time with family. He also chose an early flight to avoid long lines, and make his travel experience easier.
“It’s always better to leave early, especially if you’re going across country,” he said. “You just you prepare accordingly, you pack a couple of days before, you kind of get up and about early because probably about an afternoon time, probably the evening time, it’s going to be crazy leaving out of here,” he added.
As millions go through TSA over the next few days, be sure to know what you can and can not take through security. Many passengers are hoping it’s smooth sailing as they return back home.
“I actually plan to beat the rush of leaving before Sunday. Finish spending some time with family, do the whole turkey thing, and working and making it happen,” said Robinson.
“I realized I booked the evening flight, so I’m a little bit nervous about that. But beyond that, I’m just hoping for the same going and coming,” said Maye.
For those traveling by car this holiday, AAA predicts about 80 million people will be hitting the road. Officials are encouraging people to leave out the door early and have patience over the next few days.
