COLUMBUS, Ohio — Thousands of travelers are expected to travel from Columbus airports during the Thanksgiving holiday week.
The Columbus Regional Airport Authority said they anticipate an increase in travelers this year and advise passengers to plan for enough time to navigate the airport.
There are more than 222,000 scheduled seats departing from John Glenn Columbus International Airport and Rickenbacker International Airport between Nov. 20 and Dec. 3. That is an increase of 3.5% from last year.
Columbus airports are experiencing a record-breaking year, surpassing passenger numbers in eight out of the last nine months, CRAA said.
“We are thrilled that so many passengers choose Columbus airports to be the start of their holiday celebrations,” said Joseph R. Nardone, president & CEO of CRAA. “With more than 50 nonstop destinations, passengers have access to endless travel options. There’s a lot of excitement about the new terminal at John Glenn International, and we intend to continue providing the best possible experience for all our travelers throughout this major project.”
The busiest travel day is Sunday, Dec. 1, with more than 18,600 scheduled departing airline seats.
To prepare for the increase in travelers, CRAA recommends the following:
- Pack smart. Visit TSA.gov to learn what you can and can’t bring through security, see the 3-1-1 liquid rule explained, and find out what part of the Thanksgiving feast you’re able to bring with you on the plane.
- Know your parking options. There are a variety of parking options ranging from long-term lots to valet parking to spots with electric vehicle chargers. You can even get your oil changed or car detailed while you are on your trip.
- Arrive early. Arrive at least 90 minutes early for domestic flights and two hours for international. Take advantage of TSA PreCheck or CLEAR if you are registered. Get through security and then enjoy some shopping or a pre-flight meal. Don’t forget that you can track the estimated average wait time of the TSA checkpoints.
- Save time at the curb. When you get back to Columbus, your friends or family can wait to pick you up in our nearby Cell Phone Lot.