Holiday Travel Season in Full Swing at Albany International Airport
As the holiday season heats up, Albany International Airport is bustling with travelers heading to their destinations. Nationwide, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) predicts a 6% increase in passenger volume compared to last year. Between now and January 2, nearly 40 million passengers are expected to pass through TSA checkpoints across the country. The busiest days? This Friday, next Friday, and the following Monday.
Families and Friends on the Move
At Albany International, families like the Connors are already on their way to holiday adventures. Traveling from Tampa, Florida, to Vermont for a ski trip, they were relieved to skip the long lines they’d experienced during Thanksgiving.
“There were a lot of long lines and waiting back then,” Andrew and Audrey Connors shared. Their son, Alexander, added, “I hope it’s quick and easy this time.”
Others, like Khloe Reome and her friend Lilianna from Saratoga Springs, were equally pleased with their smooth airport experience as they headed to Charlotte, North Carolina. “We expected big TSA lines, but didn’t see many. Super happy about that!” Reome said.
Nostalgia and Snowy Expectations
For some travelers, the holidays are about reconnecting with family and reliving childhood memories. Pete Santos, originally from Amsterdam, New York, but now living in Florida, is visiting the Capital Region with his kids.
“Friends and family mean so much, especially this time of year. Hopefully, my kids get to experience snow,” Santos said, looking forward to a classic Northeast winter.
The Albano family, visiting from Tampa, shares similar hopes. Spending the holidays with their grandmother in the Capital Region, one child eagerly exclaimed, “My favorite part of Grandma’s house? That there will be snow!”
TSA Tips for Stress-Free Travel
To ensure smooth journeys, TSA recommends preparing ahead:
- Pack Smart: Make sure your bags meet size requirements and keep laptops inside backpacks.
- Mind the Liquids: Leave items over 3.4 ounces at home to avoid delays.
Albany International Airport travelers are off to a promising start this season, with many reporting short wait times and seamless security checks. As the holidays continue, the airport is ready to handle the surge of passengers with efficiency and holiday cheer.
