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Harrisburg International Airport (HIA) is preparing for a busy holiday season, with officials expecting around 63,000 passengers to pass through between Friday (December 20) and January 3. This marks a 13% increase from last year, driven by additional flights and increased seat availability. American Airlines has boosted seats to Chicago by 33%, and other airlines have expanded services to various destinations, including Detroit and Orlando.
Travelers are reminded not to wrap presents before going through security, as the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will unwrap anything deemed suspicious. HIA encourages passengers to arrive early and download airline apps to ease their travel experience.
The TSA is also preparing for a nationwide surge in holiday travel, expecting to screen nearly 40 million people between December 19 and January 2. Peak travel days are anticipated on December 20 and 27. To manage the increased volume, the TSA has added new security lanes, screening technology, and additional staff.
The holiday travel boom reflects a broader post-pandemic rebound in travel, with record numbers expected at airports like Heathrow. As travel demand continues to rise, airlines and airports are gearing up for a busy season.