Summer 2018 Expected to be Travel Season Record
OKLAHOMA CITY, May 21, 2018 – Will Rogers World Airport is on track for another record year of summer travel. Since January, passenger traffic has already surpassed the same period last year by 12% and WRWA officials predict the trend will continue throughout the summer months. Travelers should be prepared for longer lines at the ticket counters and at the security checkpoints. It is essential that travelers get to the airport a minimum of one-and-a-half hours prior to their departure.
“So often travelers make the mistake of thinking the lines will be like the middle of January, the slowest time of the year. They’re surprised when they encounter long lines checking in or going through security.” says Karen Carney, public information and marketing manager. “During the busy summer season, lines can swell at any time during the day. Allowing plenty of time ensures that you will make your flight.”
Travelers must also factor in time for the new electronics screening procedures. All personal electronic items bigger than a cell phone must be removed from carry-on luggage and placed in a bin with nothing on top or underneath for screening. This includes laptops, tablets, e-readers, handheld game consoles, etc. Items such as hair dryers, electric shavers or electric toothbrushes are not included. Passengers enrolled in TSA PreCheck are not subject to the new rules, although all passengers may be subject to additional screening at any time.
Travelers can also help to keep lines moving by avoiding these common mistakes:
- Arriving late (most common)
- Invalid ID (including expired driver’s licenses) or no ID at all
- Overstuffed carry-on bags and liquids and gels over three ounces
- Not removing items the TSA officers ask you to remove when going through the metal detector or imaging machine
- Wearing clothing and jewelry that set off the screening machines
- Carrying prohibited items in checked and/or carry-on luggage.