We are coming up on the busiest travel day of the year at PTI. That’s right, the Wednesday before Thanksgiving – Nov. 26 this year – is when millions take to the skies across the U.S. to reunite with friends and family. At PTI, we’re ready to help make the experience as stress-free as possible whether you’re heading outbound to visit loved ones or welcoming those we care about to the Triad for a holiday celebration.
PTI expects around 50,000 people to pass through the airport from Nov. 24 to Dec. 1 this year.
“Our goal is for PTI to add to the joy of your holidays and make your journey as easy and pleasant as possible,” said Kevin Baker, Executive Director of Piedmont Triad Airport Authority.
Since sounds of the season are known to elicit memories and bring calm, PTI will host LIVE MUSIC in the terminal on Wednesday morning (Nov. 26) from 7 a.m.-10 a.m. and again on Sunday afternoon (Nov. 30) from 3 p.m. – 5 p.m.
A little extra time and a positive attitude go a long way, especially when the airport is full of folks trying to get home for the holidays.
To ease travel concerns, here are a few additional tips, whether you’re coming or going:
- Understand where you’ll park or where you’ll pick up passengers – PTI has plenty of easy access long-term and short-term parking, including spots immediately at the entrance to the terminal. Check out our easy-to-read map on the PTI website, which includes parking fees, to plan ahead for where to go and what to expect.
- Arrive at least two hours before departure – your stress and anxiety will drop immensely once you’re parked, checked in, and through TSA. And be at your gate at least 40 min before your departure time. The extra time really does help.
- PTI Ambassadors and Police Officers are here to help. If you ever have any questions while you’re in the terminal, don’t hesitate to ask one of our many Ambassadors or Police Officers for assistance.
- Bringing Thanksgiving favorites through security can be allowed but with limits. Solid foods like pies, cookies, and casseroles are fine in your carry-on, but gravy, cranberry sauce, and other liquids over 3.4 ounces must be checked. When in doubt, check out the official TSA rules because nobody wants to surrender Grandma’s favorite stuffing at the checkpoint.
- Strollers, cameras, wrapped gifts, and other essentials for a family gathering are generally allowed through TSA checkpoints, but you can always review the full list on the TSA website.
“Thanksgiving week brings out the very best in air travel – smiles, hugs, and a wonderful energy that comes with people reconnecting,” said Baker.
Baker also reminds travelers to pack patience along with their carry-ons. “A little extra time and a positive attitude go a long way, especially when the airport is full of folks trying to get home for the holidays,” he added.