SPOKANE, Wash. – The Spokane International Airport is offering travel tips to help passengers prepare for the busy Thanksgiving holiday.
From Friday, Nov. 22, to Sunday, Dec. 1, nearly 140,000 airline seats – a 2.6% increase from last year – are scheduled to pass through the airport.
“The number one thing passengers can do to prepare for their holiday trip is to give themselves more time than they think they need – even if they’re a frequent flyer,” said Ezra Eckhardt, Spokane Airport Board Chair. “2023 was a record-breaking year for Spokane International Airport, and after sustained levels of growth throughout 2024, we’re expecting this Thanksgiving to be one of the busiest yet, which is why we are recommending passengers arrive at least two hours before their flight boards to give themselves enough time to park, check-in, navigate through security and prepare for boarding at the gate.”
Outbound traffic is expected to peak between 5 a.m. and 7 a.m., with 3,000 passengers flying out in the early morning. To make the experience smoother, the airport recommends passengers:
– Arrive at least two hours before departure to allow time for parking, check-in, and security.
– Empty water bottles before entering security, as larger containers will require additional screening.
– Remove electronics like tablets and cameras from bags for TSA screening.
– Avoid wrapping gifts, as they may need to be unwrapped at security.
– Make sure children under 12 have proof of age if traveling alone, and have a birth certificate for children under 2 sitting on an adult’s lap.
For those arriving, peak times are around noon and 10-11 p.m. To save time, passengers should:
– Pay for parking ahead using QuickPay kiosks in the baggage claim and ticketing areas.
– Have friends and family pick them up in the free Cell Phone Waiting Lot to avoid terminal traffic.
– Double-check luggage tags to avoid grabbing the wrong bag.
Flight delays can happen due to weather or other factors, so passengers can stay updated on flight statuses at https://spokaneairports.net/flight-status/.
