It’s expected to be a busy Thanksgiving week for Wichita’s Eisenhower National Airport. Valerie Wise, air service and marketing manager for the Wichita Airport Authority, said families who weren’t able to connect a year ago because of the pandemic are making plans to get together this year, and the numbers will be close to what they were in 2019.
Wise said around 2,900 passengers are expected to fly out on Friday, November 19th, as well as Wednesday, November 24th and Sunday, November 28th. Over three thousand seats have been booked for the Wednesday before and the Sunday after Thanksgiving.
Wise said travelers should get to the airport at least two hours before departure time, to allow for parking and security. She said the busiest times at the checkpoints will be 3:30 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. with nine flights with over 900 seats, and between 8:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. with 11 flights and 1,200 seats. Travelers should dress for quick and easy screening and wear slip on shoes. Coats, bulky sweatshirts, hoodies, belts, scarves and shoes will have to be removed during screening. More information is available at the tsa.gov web site.
Face masks are required by federal law inside the terminal, inside the parking shuttle, and on the aircraft.
Travelers should check the web site for their airline to find out baggage requirements and which carry-on items will be allowed.
Wise said travel is also expected to be busy with new service at the airport. Allegiant Airlines is starting service to Orlando, Florida, which has started in May in the past. The airline will also be starting year-round service to Tampa and St. Petersburg with flights twice a week.
