Holiday travel season has arrived and Hancock International Airport is gearing up for high traveler volume.
With days until Thanksgiving, and the TSA line at Hancock International Airport TSA was long and winding on Monday.
Airport officials said December’s travel numbers will exceed 2019 numbers from the same month.
“With that, we will have our volunteers available, both the Pet Program, as well as our flag guys, to direct anyone who needs assistance,” said Jason Terreri, executive director of the Syracuse Regional Airport Authority.
TSA’s vaccine mandate deadline is Monday, but will have little impact on the airport. TSA officials said they are adequately staffed.
The airport is also fully staffed and adjusting TSA and concession times to be open very early for anticipated high numbers between the hours of 4:30 a.m. and 6:30 a.m.
Other time windows likely to be busy are 10 a.m. to noon and 3 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
This week, there will be 32,000 departing seats. Airport officials encourage all travelers to come two hours prior to their flight.
“That’s going to allow you enough time to get through the checkpoint and allow you to get food and drink from our concessions,” Terreri said.
They anticipate about a 30-minute wait time at the TSA checkpoint.
