Record Thanksgiving travel expected at Spokane International Airport

SPOKANE, Wash. — The Spokane International Airport is gearing up for another record-breaking holiday travel season with Wednesday and Sunday projected to be the busiest days of the week.

Airport officials anticipate nearly 3,000 passengers will pass through the terminal during the early morning peak, between 5 a.m. and 7 a.m. each day leading up to and immediately following Thanksgiving.

To ensure a smooth travel experience, passengers are encouraged to arrive at least two hours before their scheduled boarding time. This allows time for parking, navigating to the terminal, checking luggage, and clearing TSA security checkpoints.

For those picking up friends and family, the airport expects the busiest time at noon, when congestion at baggage claims and curbside arrivals will be at its peak. Officials recommend planning accordingly to avoid delays.

During the Thanksgiving travel period, nearly 140,000 travelers are expected to arrive and depart through Spokane International Airport.

Here are some tips to streamline your holiday travel:

Check your flight status before heading to the airport at spokaneairports.net.Avoid wrapping gifts in carry-on luggage, as TSA may need to open them for security screening.Use the cell phone waiting lot when picking up passengers to reduce terminal traffic.Plan for extra time, even if you’re a seasoned traveler, as early morning departures are particularly busy.