JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Transportation Security Administration expects Thursday to be one of the busiest travel days going into the holidays.
It expects to screen 30 million people through Jan. 30, estimating the volume of passengers reaching near pre-pandemic levels, which is up 184% from last year.
The message Thursday: Arrive early and make sure you have your mask.
As always, the airport advises you to check the status of your flight with the airline -- and not wait until the last minute.
As the COVID-19 omicron variant grows nationwide concerned traveler Meaghan Schlifke said she’s vaccinated and plans to wear her mask.
“We’re going to wear our masks and whatever they want us to do, we’ll go ahead and do it,” said Schlifke, who was headed to Seattle from Jacksonville. “So good to go.”
Something you can do to help keep the lines moving is to sign up for TSA Pre-Check. This way, you don’t have to remove your shoes, your other carry-on items, or your belt.
Sheila Judd, who was waiting for her grandson to fly in from Ohio, said she prays that God will take care of him and keep him safe.
“I’ve went through COVID twice and been fine,” said Judd. “Still kicking.”
He did land safely. He said his plane was full but it was easy to get on and off and felt very safe.
TSA predicts Monday, Jan. 3 will be the other busiest travel day this season, so be prepared and be safe.