DALLAS — Thanksgiving is expected to be a record-breaking holiday travel season at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW).
DFW Airport officials said Wednesday that they expect 3.1 million travelers from Nov. 21 to Dec. 3, which would be a 5.4% increase from the same period last year, setting the stage for a record-breaking holiday season. According to the travel app, Hopper, DFW is expected to be the second-busiest airport in the country on Thanksgiving Day.
The weekends before and following the Thanksgiving holiday are expected to be the busiest times for travel, with more than 260,000 travelers passing through DFW on peak days, airport officials said in a press release. New York, Los Angeles and Chicago are projected to be the top destinations this Thanksgiving from DFW.
DFW Airport officials gave the following pro tips for those expecting to fly out this holiday season:
- Arrive early: Travelers should plan to be at the airport at least two hours before their flight to allow ample time for parking, check-in and security.
- Pre-book parking: Spaces fill up fast during the holidays. Travelers are encouraged to use the DFW app or website to book in advance and lock in the best rates.
- Check real-time info: Travelers can view parking occupancy, TSA wait times and construction updates – all available on the DFW app.
- Terminal flexibility: Travelers flying American Airlines can park, check in and go through security at any terminal. Skylink will connect them to their departure gate in no time.
“Thanksgiving is a time when millions of people travel to reconnect with family and friends, and the DFW team is dedicated to making your journey as seamless as possible along the way,” said Ken Buchanan, DFW’s Executive Vice President of Customer Experience and Revenue Management. “By planning ahead, arriving early, and downloading the DFW app, travelers can make the most of their airport experience. The app offers everything you need – parking updates, real-time wait times, and more – to help you navigate the airport effortlessly.”
Find more tools and tips for holiday travel on DFW’s Travel Tips page.
AAA predicts most people will travel by car during the holiday season – with 71.7 million people expected to hit the roads. The busiest travel day, according to AAA, is expected to be Dec. 1, the Sunday after Thanksgiving.