BUFFALO, N.Y. — The Transportation Security Administration is expecting millions of passengers throughout the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday.
At the Buffalo Niagara International Airport, that busy time begins on Friday and ends on Tuesday. Tuesday and Wednesday before Thanksgiving, as well as the Sunday after, are the busiest days, according to the TSA.
TSA’s federal security director for upstate New York, Bart R. Johnson, said the TSA workforce remains committed to the safety and the security of those traveling out of Buffalo.
“During the Thanksgiving holiday, we expect a surge of travelers at the airport and strongly encourage travelers to give themselves ample time to get through the TSA security checkpoint so they can safely make their scheduled flights," Johnson said in a statement.
Checkpoints will be busier than ever during this holiday season across the nation, including the Buffalo airport, so it is important to keep these tips in mind when traveling.
Before traveling, start by packing with an empty bag to avoid bringing in any unprohibited items to the airport.
Also, bring acceptable identification with you and have it ready to be inserted into the authentication units.
After making sure you are prepared with what you need, you will want to arrive early to the airport. Arriving two hours earlier than your flight will ensure that you have enough time to park, check your bags and go through security successfully. Keep in mind. that new technology may be updated since the last time you traveled.
TSA also reminds travelers to stay aware, "If you see something, say something" and to have patience with transportation frontline workers.
At the Buffalo Airport, many people looking to beat the weary weather forecast arrived in Buffalo ahead of the holiday.
Claudia Anderson arrived in Buffalo from Texas to start her Thanksgiving holiday. The forecast for next week doesn't phase her.
"I knew it was going to rain," Anderson said. "As long as it doesn't rain when I leave."
AAA says that 55 million people will travel for Thanksgiving, the third busiest since 2005. 88% of those travelers, according to AAA, will drive to their destination.
"It's going to be busy and all travelers need to be ready but particularly those who are driving," said Robert Sinclair Jr. from AAA of Western & Central NY.