DFW Airport expects record 4.7 million passengers this holiday season
DALLAS - North Texans who are traveling during the holidays are not alone. AAA expects 119 million people to travel this season, including more than 9 million in Texas.
At DFW Airport, a record-breaking 4.7 million flyers are anticipated through Jan. 7, and Harrison Ducommun is one of them.
"I flew in from Orlando. My aunt's picking me up here at the airport, and then we're going to take a road trip up to Kansas to visit my home. I'm going to see my family home for the Christmas," Ducommun said.
Ducommun arrived at the airport extra early to ensure a smooth flying experience.
"I like coming at least 2 to 3 hours early because that way I can get my bags checked in, get through security a lot quicker because I know, especially around during the holidays, it gets super busy," he said.
AAA advises travelers to book the earliest flight and reserve parking in advance to allow enough time for long lines. Additional tips include printing boarding passes at home and taking pictures of luggage in case it gets lost.
"With a record number of people traveling by air, pack your patience, as they say," AAA Texas spokesperson Daniel Armbruster said. "Make sure that you get to the airport at least two hours early, if not a little sooner than that. If you have something like TSA PreCheck, make sure you go to the correct line so that you get into the pre-check line."
The TSA predicts that 40 million people will fly during the holiday season. Ducommun encourages everyone to keep a positive attitude.
"Spread the positivity, spread the kindness, and spread the love because there's not a lot of it nowadays," Ducommun said.