Friday is expected to be one of the busiest days for travel over the Fourth of July weekend. The FAA says 45,958 flights are scheduled Friday, up from 40,537 the day before Independence Day.
At Love Field in Dallas, the airport says Friday, Saturday and Sunday are expected to be its busiest days. Over the entire holiday traveling period, Love Field has been expecting 220,000 travelers, a 30% increase from 2023.
"Dallas Love Field is growing. We are seeing record numbers this year," says the airport's Hilda Lopez. "2024 is bringing out travelers. Everybody is on the move, which we love. We love to have everyone here."
Lopez urges people to check Love Field's website and social media platforms for updated parking availability and security wait times.
"It's always better to get here on time," she says. "You're not stressed. You can get to your gate comfortably. We've got plenty of dining options. We have a couple new restaurants opening up."
Maggiano's Little Italy has expanded its location at Love Field, adding a patio. Lopez says a seafood restaurant is also expected to open soon.
Earlier this year, an expanded "Li'l Love Lounge" opened at the airport.
"You'll see family friendly activities, books, interactive stuff, QR codes you can scan and take with you on the plane, digital coloring books," she says.
TSA urges travelers to arrive 90 minutes before a domestic flight and two hours before international. The agency says two of its top three days ever were last month.
"We cannot say it enough: If you're traveling early in the morning between six a.m. and ten a.m., you might want to add 30 minutes to an extra hour to that time regardless of your airport," says TSA's Patricia Mancha.
Mancha also urges travelers to make sure they are prepared before leaving home. Both Love Field and DFW Airport post security wait times online. They also allow people to book parking ahead of time.
Both airports have maps of their terminals.
TSA urges passengers to check tsa.gov for a searchable list of items that are allowed in carry-on bags, what must be checked and items that cannot be brought on planes at all.
"There will be a line. Expect a wait, and please be prepared," Mancha says. "Check in online, have your travel documents and your photo ID in your hot little hands when you get to TSA."
Texas allows guns to be carried without a permit, but federal law covers airplanes. Guns are not allowed in carry-ons. They can be checked in a locked, hard-sided case, and they must be declared to the airline at check-in.
Fireworks are not allowed in carry-ons or checked bags.
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