This holiday season, it won’t just be Rudolph who’s running
IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) - The holiday season is quickly approaching. Thanksgiving is coming up fast, then the countdown to Christmas and welcoming in the New Year. With all of these holiday thoughts, many are preparing to travel to different destinations all around the nation.
The Transportation Security Agency predicts that 8.2 million travelers will be screened on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Sunday for the Thanksgiving holiday.
"We had a record year last year and still a lot of people traveling here at the airport," City of Idaho Falls PIO Eric Grossarth said.
Grossarth also reminds people to be early for their flights.
"I think during the holiday season, though, we just really encourage people to follow that recommendation of arriving 2 hours before your flight and prepare for the unexpected just so that you don't miss a flight," Grossarth said.
He adds that last year the airport had over 600,000 travelers for the whole annual year. Adding on the additional 8.2 million nationwide, Grossarth says no matter whether you're flying to or from Idaho Falls coming prepared will be beneficial for everyone.
"We definitely recommend people arrive early, plan ahead, and pack smartly. So make sure that you don't have any prohibited items before going through TSA screening and then just prepare for the unexpected," Grossarth said.
Travelers echoed Gossarth's comments that knowing what to pack can help.
"I've done a little bit of travel during the holiday season. Not a lot, but I know for sure that the most important thing is to be your terminal on time. And there's also been times when I've been stuck in an airport. And if I just had to walk around for hours and hours because my flight was delayed or something like that. So. But it's always just fun to travel and see my family members during the holidays," Carson Southwick said.
"Just making sure that I don't over pack because usually, I do think that I always have to pay the extra charge," Jillian Briggs said.
"We're packed and ready to go. We got pre-check, we got the dog and the wife and the kids back there behind us. And she does a great job in making sure we're all packed," Darin Hebdon said.
One young traveler was thankful for their mom crediting her for getting ready for traveling this holiday.
Some airline workers also stressed the importance of showing up to your flight on time. Grossarth shared that the airport will do what it can to make sure your flights leave on time, but as we are approaching winter some delays may be inevitable.
"We're definitely always ready for that snow and definitely do everything in our power to keep the airport running and flights on time," Grossarth said.
