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Holiday travel tips from Lansing airport

LANSING, Mich. — As the holiday season kicks off and with industry forecasts predicting record-breaking travel numbers over the Thanksgiving holiday, the Capital Region International Airport (LAN) is ready to welcome guests, and is sharing travel tips and holiday travel information to ensure Fly Lansing travelers’ trips go as smoothly as possible.

Nationally, AAA officials project 79.9 million people will travel 50 miles or more from home over the Thanksgiving holiday travel period. This year’s projection is an increase of 1.7 million people compared to last year, and 2 million more than in 2019. 

In Michigan, AAA officials project a record number of Michiganders will travel during the Thanksgiving holiday travel period. Nearly 2.6 million Michigan residents are expected to travel 50 miles or more for Thanksgiving, which would be an all-time high and 65,000 more people than last year. While the majority of travelers are expected to drive to their destinations, the airport is still anticipating an increase in passengers over the Thanksgiving holiday travel period. 

“The airport’s team is fully prepared for the official start of the holiday travel season and our airline partners are committed to getting passengers to their destinations safely and efficiently,” said Nicole Noll-Williams, president and CEO of the Capital Region Airport Authority (CRAA). “Following a few simple tips can help make sure your holiday travel through LAN is a stress-free experience.”

Busiest Travel Days for 2024 Holiday Travel Season:

Thanksgiving and Christmas travel periods are among the busiest of the year. The busiest travel days for Thanksgiving 2024 are projected to be:

  • Tuesday, Nov. 26
  • Wednesday, Nov. 27
  • Sunday, Dec. 1

For December holidays, peak travel days are projected to be:

  • Friday, Dec. 20
  • Saturday, Dec. 21
  • Thursday, Dec. 26

Helpful Travel Tips:

  • Arrive early. Airport security screening lines are fast and efficient at LAN, but during peak periods travelers should arrive at least 90 minutes before their flight. Please note that ticket counters at LAN are staffed two hours prior to departure. Passengers should also be aware of airline cut-off times for checking in. Passengers must be checked-in (including checked bags):
    • American Airlines – 45 minutes prior to departure
    • Breeze Airways – 45 minutes prior to departure
    • Delta Air Lines – 30 minutes prior to departure
  • Check your flight status. Stay informed of flight changes, delays or cancellations by checking your airline’s website or app before you leave for the airport. Be sure to check directly with your airline for the most accurate and up-to-date information. 
  • Stay flexible. Weather and high travel volumes can affect schedules, so allow extra time for connections when booking your flights. 
  • Follow the 3-1-1 rule. Three-ounce bottles or less for all liquids, gels and aerosols, placed in a one-quart-size clear plastic zip-top bag to hold all small bottles, and one bag per passenger. Larger quantities of liquids may be packed in checked baggage.
  • Dress smart. Wear comfortable clothing, dress in light layers and easy-to-slip-on shoes. Be prepared to remove coats, jackets, belts, jewelry, and shoes before screening. Don’t wear clothes with a high metal content and put heavy jewelry on after you go through security. TSA PreCheck members are not required to remove coats, shoes and belts. 

 

Holiday Items and TSA Guidelines:

 

Allowed through TSA Checkpoints (carry-on):

  • Gifts, but plan to keep them unwrapped (unwrapping may be required for inspection)

  • Solid food items (turkey, pie, baked goods, fresh fruit and vegetables)

  • Small decorations without sharp edges

Prohibited through TSA checkpoints/in carry-on luggage (can be in checked bags):

  • Liquids over 3.4 oz., including snow globes

  • Liquid-based food items (gravy, cranberry sauce, dips, wine, canned fruit and vegetables)

  • Wrapped gifts containing prohibited items

  • Aerosol cans or other pressurized items

 

Additional security information, prohibited items, and travel tips can be found at www.TSA.gov. 

For additional information about the airport and services available, visit  www.FlyLansing.com.

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The Capital Region Airport Authority owns and operates the Capital Region International Airport (LAN), Mason Jewett Field Airport (TEW) and Port Lansing – a global logistics center and mid-Michigan’s only U.S. Port of Entry. The Capital Region International Airport is an important asset in the mid-Michigan community, driving $1 billion annually in economic impact with 700 people employed at the airport. The airport welcomes more than 352,000 visitors each year to connect throughout the country and the world. In addition to providing corporate and general aviation, the Capital Region International Airport moves 63.5 million pounds of cargo annually and is one of two airports in the state with a U.S. Customs and Border Protection Federal Inspection Station. Port Lansing, mid-Michigan’s only U.S. Port of Entry and home to Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) #275 covering eight counties, also features a 48,000-square-foot cargo facility and container freight station, and 425 acres of ready-to-develop land. For more information, go to FlyLansing.com and visit the airport’s Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter accounts.