SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Expect busy airport travel for Thanksgiving between now and Wednesday, Nov. 27.
Scott Johnston, a spokesperson with the Sacramento International Airport (SMF), says they’re prepared for it.
"We increased our staffing here. We're bringing in more people, more volunteers during the holidays," said Johnston.
He says the airport will be steady but busy, starting Friday through Wednesday. Johnston says pre-pandemic SMF was an airport where you could get there an hour before your flight, park, get through security and be on your way. But that won't fly anymore.
In addition to holiday travel, there is construction on a few major airport projects like the parking garage and pedestrian walkway. The construction of the new parking garage shut down the airport's hourly lot Oct. 1.
"We’re busy and we have a lot of people coming through. Parking is at a premium and we’re asking folks to rethink that strategy, understand that it's going to be a little bit more difficult to get through the airport, especially during the holidays, and to plan accordingly," said Johnston.
Johnston says if you are parking in the economy lots, it's a good idea to get to the airport 2.5-3 hours early. He says shuttle wait times could be longer than normal at peak times. You can track shuttles on the airport website. You can check parking availability here.
According to TSA, the three busiest days to travel will be the Tuesday and Wednesday before Thanksgiving and Sunday, Dec. 1. They are expecting to screen more than 3 million people that Sunday.
Lorie Dankers with TSA says they’re using overtime for their agents to keep things flowing. Dankers says roughly 25,000 people are expected to be screened at SMF that Sunday.
"The busiest day of all during the holiday period will be the Sunday after Thanksgiving. That is Sunday, December 1. If you are traveling that day, I can't stress enough, you need to arrive at the airport early. You need to make sure you're prepared for every step of the travel process, and always expect the unexpected," said Dankers.
If you are planning to bring a signature food item to your Thanksgiving destination, here are the rules from TSA on what's allowed to be carried onto the plane.
Solid food, like baked goods, cookies, or meat is allowed in 'unlimited quantities,' according to Dankers. Liquids or gels, like sauces or gravy, need to be 3.4 ounces or less. Otherwise, you have to check it.
Make sure to package it well. If you can, she suggests waiting to buy food items at your destination.
According to Dankers, there will also be some new X-ray technology at the airport, so be sure to listen carefully to TSA officers on what should and shouldn't come out of your bag.
"We've staffed for this, we've been planning for months in terms of our staffing and operational plan. We want people to know that we know it'll be busy, we planned, and we’re expecting you," said Dankers.
For those with early flights, Dankers says the Terminal B security checkpoint will be open no later than 3:30 a.m. The Terminal A checkpoint will be open no later than 3:45 a.m., so plan accordingly.
If you have enrolled in TSA PreCheck, make sure your Known Traveler Number is on your reservation. Additionally, Dankers says people on your reservation who are 17 and under can use the TSA PreCheck line with you.
Lastly, make sure to say thank you to the TSA officers working during the holiday period!
