KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Thanksgiving travel week is off to a busy start at Kansas City International Airport.
The Transportation Security Administration expects to screen 18.3 million people from Tuesday, Nov. 26, through Monday, Dec. 2.
That's an increase of approximately 6% from this time last year.
Passenger volumes have reached record highs in 2024, with an increase of 17% since 2022.
United Airlines said people heading to airports should expect a busy day.
"Expect that airports are gonna be crowded. You know, we always tell people you want to leave early. This is the year to actually heed that advice and give yourself plenty of extra time," said Nicole Carriere, United Airlines spokesperson.
The Kansas City Aviation Department expects the three busiest travel days to be the Tuesday and Wednesday before Thanksgiving and the Sunday after the holiday.
For those traveling this Thanksgiving, Carriere said to pay close attention to flight status and even TSA's list of what is and is not allowed.
"Thanksgiving is notorious where people want to bring home all those little sweet treats and goodies," she said. "There's nothing that's going to cost you more time than seeing your bag go around and have to get inspected, but you're not planning ahead for that."
Airport officials are encouraging people to arrive two hours early to ensure they have time to make it through security and make it to their gate.
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KSHB 41 reporter Olivia Acree covers portions of Johnson County, Kansas. Share your story idea with Olivia.
