DIA Prepares For Record Number Of Travelers
DENVER (CBS4) - The Denver International Airport is expecting a busy travel day on Wednesday, and the traffic will last through Monday, Nov. 30.
As of noon security lines were running smoothly, but had been fluctuating all morning. Due to heightened security concerns passengers are warned that Transportation Security Administration checkpoints may have longer lines.
At one point it was a 30-minute wait to get through security. Airport officials were wandering around the back end of the line handing out gourmet chocolates to ease some of those travel woes.
DIA is projecting record numbers of travelers during the holiday season from Thanksgiving through Christmas. An average of one million passengers travel through the airport between the Tuesday before Thanksgiving to the Monday after.
DIA estimates 150,000 people will pass through the airport on Wednesday. Sunday, Nov. 29 is expected to have the highest traffic, with over 182,000 passengers coming through DIA.
The airport will boost customer service as well as live music during select peak travel times.
Most people CBS4's Jamie Leary spoke with said they were prepared for the crowds.
"It's Thanksgiving and it's expected … you go with the flow," a woman said.
Officials recommend passengers download a free app called FlySmart, which provides information on flight status, parking availability, security wait times, and more.
As of Wednesday morning, the Pikes Peak parking lot and East Economy lot are full.
