Thanksgiving is busiest travel time

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Travel is increasing ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday.

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport has seen a 6 percent increase in travelers since last year. Combine that with changes at the airport, and travelers can expect to spend more time in lines.

"We have seen some peaks around lunch time and then later in the afternoon between three and five," said Jason Zielinski, ABIA spokesman. "But nothing like the mornings; the mornings are the craziest."

ABIA rolled out four Advanced Imaging Technology, or AIT, machines, which are body scanners. They are up and running at two security checkpoints. If travelers decide to opt out, they will be asked to undergo patdowns. These newer model machines only show an outline of a body rather than a more invasive scan .

Another change is the cell phone parking lot . People coming to pick up passenger can wait there for free, rather than in the garage, until their passenger calls to tell them they’ve landed. However, people can wait in a garage for a fee.

"I think it's great," said Annette Kolda, Austin resident. "It’s really convenient. I know I can get to the airport on time and have plenty of time to wait for my daughter to get in today from college."

The Air Transport Association said the busiest days this year will likely be Friday, Sunday and Monday before Thanksgiving and the Sunday after Thanksgiving.

Zielinski said to show up early.

"We are advising that passengers get here early, especially for early morning flights, at least two hours early for any flight before 8 a.m. and 90 minutes for all other times," said Zielinski.

Here are more travel tips from ABIA for the holiday season:

Getting through the airport is smoother for travelers who come prepared.

• While packing, check luggage to ensure no prohibited items are in the bag or its pockets.
• Before leaving for the airport, check flight status with airline or the airport’s website, www.abia.org , and click on the “flight status, real-time” icon.
• Arrive at least two hours before departure times at 8 a.m. or earlier. Passenger screening checkpoints open at 4 a.m.
• Passengers should arrive at least 90 minutes early for flights departing after 8 a.m.
• Allow ample time to get to the airport. Traffic and weather conditions could add to commute time.
• Be prepared to present a government ID card.
• Real time ABIA On-Airport Parking information is available by calling 512-530-3300. Park easy by using the credit card express lanes. Just swipe a credit card on the way in and swipe the same card on the way out.

Be prepared for security screening, dress smart and pack smart:

• Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) machines for passenger screening are in place at Austin’s airport.
• Metal detectors and X-ray for carry on items are also in place for passenger screening.
• Carry-on luggage is restricted to one bag and one personal item such as a laptop, purse, backpack or briefcase. A laptop must be removed from its case to go through X-ray machines.
• Avoid wearing jewelry and accessories that contain metal. Consider wearing shoes that can be easily removed as they must pass through X-ray machines.
• Coats, jackets, hats and other such garments must be put through X-ray screening.
• Do not wrap gifts, as they may have to be opened during security inspections.
• Remember 3-1-1 for liquids, gels and aerosols in carry-on luggage. Three ounces per container, in a clear, one-quart bag, one per passenger. These bags should be placed in bins going through X-ray like other personal belongings such as keys. This will speed up the process as TSA staff will not have to search through carry-on luggage for liquids.
• Printer and toner cartridges that are 16 ounces or greater are prohibited in checked baggage or carry-on luggage.
• Knives, scissors with pointed tips, pepper spray and other such items are prohibited as carry-on items. For a comprehensive list of banned and permitted items in carry-on baggage, visit the TSA's website at www.tsa.gov .