EL PASO, TEXAS (KFOX14/CBS4) — With Memorial Day weekend just days away and summer around the corner, airport officials at the El Paso International Airport are preparing for a surge in travelers as millions of Americans get ready to fly.
According to the AAA, around four million Americans are expected to fly for the holiday weekend between Thursday, May 21, and Monday, May 25.
“Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of summer, and for most Americans, it’s a three-day weekend,” Stacey Barber, Vice President of AAA Travel, said. “Travel demand remains strong, and despite higher fuel prices, many people are prioritizing leisure travel during holiday breaks.”
In El Paso, airport officials said they are gearing up for the increase in passenger traffic.
“The Memorial Day Weekend is usually the signal of the start of our busy summer travel season, so we are preparing for an increase in passenger traffic throughout the terminal,” said Cassandra Davison, marketing manager for the El Paso airport.
To help passengers move through the terminal more smoothly, Transportation Security Administration officials are sharing tips and urging travelers to plan for peak times at the airport.
“It’s important to remember that airports, like highways, have rush hours,” said Deric Guthier, a regional spokesperson for the TSA. “Here in El Paso, we tend to see that between 4 a.m. and 7 a.m.”
He added, “We recommend two hours ahead of time.”
Airport officials also recommend bringing an empty bag for items travelers plan to buy during their trip and double-checking carry-on bags for any items prohibited by the TSA.
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