Travelers Hit DFW Airport For The Holiday Weekend
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GRAPEVINE (CBSDFW.COM) - The busy holiday travel season is in full swing. People were lining up early on Wednesday at airports across the country, including DFW International Airport, to head out for Thanksgiving weekend. Some travelers in North Texas were also hoping to save a little green when it comes to parking.
It's a program that DFW International Airport has called 'Orange Wednesday.' Officials are handing out vouchers to travelers which are good for up to seven days of free parking. There were only 1,000 vouchers available, and some people were lined up through the night to be among the first to get one.
The early birds were surprised at just how smoothly everything went. "I thought for sure coming here there would be 500 cars waiting," said Scott Bollinger. "This is incredible, that we're going to get in and we'll have plenty of time to get to our flight."
"We're leaving tomorrow morning, so I decided I'd come down and get some free parking," added Jason Hull.
The vouchers were gone shortly after 8:00 a.m. on Wednesday morning. They're a $168 value, and must be started by Sunday.
The airport expects to see 2 million people pass through by the end of the month.
Officials have some travel advice for those heading out this holiday season. First, and perhaps most important, is to give extra time. Lines are sure to be long as crowds grow, and you do not want to miss your flight. It is recommended that travelers show up two hours before their flight.
Also, bring snacks for the kids since wait times will be longer. And remember the three-ounce rule for traveling with liquids, so that you are not holding up the security lines any more than necessary.
The airport is offering something special for frustrated travelers on Wednesday -- 12 therapy dogs will be on hand in Terminal B to help make the wait times more bearable. "They'll be roving around looking for folks who they can warm up to and give a little nuzzle to," said airport spokeswoman Cynthia Vega. "We know our furry friends certainly offer a little bit of comfort."