Uptick In Thanksgiving Travel Traffic Expected At MIA This Year
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MIAMI (CBSMiami) -- Traffic from Thanksgiving travelers at Miami International Airport (MIA) is expected to be up from last year.
Airport officials say they expect an uptick of 6.7 percent during the Thanksgiving travel week - Monday, Nov. 23rd to Monday, Nov. 30th.
That means they expect more than 937,000 passengers at the airport between those dates.
But the worst traffic is expected to happen on Saturday and Sunday with more than 130,000 passengers projected each day.
Aside from being a busy holiday travel week, security has been stepped up in airports following the deadly terror attacks in Paris. For many travelers, safety is the first thing on their mind.
"I see more security in the airport, more police," traveler Sabrina said to CBS4's Donna Rapado.
"Traveling does concern me a bit. So far we've not had any bad luck and I hope we can make it to North Carolina with no problem," said traveler Amy.
A South Florida father waiting for a flight out of Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport told Rapado "Unfortunately we don't have much of a choice and it is what it is. We're prepared to wait a long time 'til they screen everyone's bags very well. "
Several passengers told Rapado they have faith in those in charge of security at the airport.
"I put that in the hands of these people who work here and I trust them. That's why I'm flying out of here," said traveler Tanner.
"The U.S. has done a good job of getting tight security. Sometimes it's too tight. You know we have to take off our shoes and everything," said traveler Omar.
Related: Palmetto Expy. In Top 20 For Worst Traffic Congestion
For those who are in for holiday travel to and from MIA, airport officials say there are some things that may help ease the Thanksgiving week travel traffic.
- Time - Arrive at the airport at least two hours ahead of time for domestic flights and 2.5 hours before an international flight.
- Parking - The Dolphin and Flamingo garages offer a max daily rate of $17 for those who prefer to self park. There is also valet on the departure level of the Dolphin garage. Click here for self-parking info or here for valet rates.
- Metrorail - The Orange Line Metrorail service is another option for people trying to get to and from MIA. It's also budget-friendly at $2.25 each way. Overnight and long-term parking is available for up to 30 days at $4.50 per night at the Earlington Heights, Okeechobee and South Miami Metrorail stations. Click here for info.
- Tri-Rail - This is another option for those trying to get to a from MIA. The line links Miami, Ft. Lauderdale and West Palm Beach. Click here for more info.
- Disabled Parking - Anyone parking with a disable parking permit or license tag must pay the standard airport parking rates unless they are parking for less than two hours or if their vehicle has specialized equipment like ramps, lifts, foot or hand controls.