Thanksgiving holiday travel ramps up at O'Hare, Midway
CHICAGO (WLS) -- Holiday travel is ramping up with millions of people flying the friendly skies.
It's expected to be a very, very busy week at airports in Chicago and across the country with millions of people traveling for Thanksgiving.
Even on Sunday morning, travelers were already packing O'Hare, as they tried to beat the chaos.
Just between O'Hare and Midway airports, the Transportation Security Administration is expecting to screen upwards of 1.1 million passengers over the course of the next week or so.
According to Expedia, the best day to hit the airport before Thanksgiving is Monday, when flights will be 12% less expensive than the Wednesday before the holiday.
In fact, the TSA said the Sunday after Thanksgiving could be the agency's busiest day ever.
The TSA said to pack smart ahead of your travels.
"Sunday after Thanksgiving, nationwide, is expected to be TSA's busiest day ever," Jessica Mayle with the TSA said. "Especially at a holiday where we're expecting high volumes through the checkpoint, the less you can bring with you in the carry-on will always help you make it go faster."
Some Chicago travelers shared how they reduce the hassle of a crowded airport.
"Be organized," traveler Sherlyn Hyde said. "Bring iPads, snacks and a good attitude. Traveling on Wednesday, I just think if we can avoid it would be good."
Zoey Holzhauser and her family are spending Thanksgiving in sunny Mexico.
"It's definitely better than leaving later because you get there earlier," Holzhauser said.
"I would say don't overthink it and pack less than I did," Lauren Berry said. "Start early. Less is more and get to the airport on time and get to the airport on time and reduce that stress."
Across the country, more than 4.7 million people are expected to take to the skies, which is a 6.5% increase from 2022.
"Make sure you get here more than 45 minutes early before you're checking a bag because we've missed a flight on Thanksgiving because of it," traveler Tim Hoffmann said.
But even more people are predicted to drive, with the American Automobile Association saying nearly 50 million people will hop in the car.
AAA said the busiest and most expensive times to fly ahead of Thanksgiving will be this Tuesday and Wednesday.
The TSA is also asking passengers to have some grace and patience for its agents, who are going to be working around the clock and away from their families to make sure folks are kept safe on their travels.
