More than 245,000 people are expected to pass through DFW Airport Friday. The airport says this will be its busiest day of the Christmas season, but DFW sees 230,000 on an average day.
"That's not anything we can't handle," says DFW Vice President of Customer Experience Sharon McCloskey. "That's something we're ready for. We're ready every day."
"We just leave extra time," one passenger headed to Pittsburgh said. "There's not much else to do."
DFW and TSA urge people to arrive two hours early for domestic flights and three hours early for international flights. They say lines may move slower since more people are traveling with families and more infrequent fliers may take longer to get through security.
McCloskey urges people to download the DFW Airport app. With the app, you can check flights, track shuttle buses, prepay for parking, order food and check TSA wait times.
"I'm very proud of our airport," she says. "We do a very good job in terms of capacity, security checkpoints for example. Having 16 different security checkpoints is really a differentiator."
In addition to the app, people can check security wait times at dfwairport.com/security .
TSA also urges people to check what they can and cannot bring through security at www.tsa.gov .
About 6,000 flights were canceled across the country because of a winter storm around Christmas last year. This year, no major weather issues are expected in the days leading up to Christmas, but McCloskey says they work with American Airlines to anticipate any issues.
"One of the things American Airlines has done in the last several months is to really double down on maintenance of their aircraft at DFW," she says. "They've really augmented their staff so there won't be delays."
DFW says passengers who do come early and get through security quickly can still find things to do on the secure side. The airport has a 37 foot Christmas tree in Terminal D with a light display.
"We've got holiday decor throughout all of our terminals," McCloskey says. "Take a breath and relax."
The airport also has restaurants and shops on the secure side. McCloskey says DFW has worked with the TSA and businesses at the airport to make sure everyone is properly staffed.
DFW has five additional gates in Terminal C and has been renovating terminals to add more natural light and bigger signs. McCloskey says the improved signs and number of restaurants can help local travelers but also give people stopping at DFW on a layover a way to learn about local food and culture.
"We have different information kiosks all throughout the airport," she says. "You can search by terminal and look at all the different restaurants. One of the great ways you can experience Texas hospitality is through our restaurants."
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