An estimated 3.4 million people will travel through Houston airports over Christmas | Houston Public Media

An estimated 3.4 million people will travel through Houston airports between Thursday and Jan. 6, according to the Houston Airport System.

Friday is considered the peak travel day for those moving through the airports of the holiday period, with more than 207,000 passengers alone.

The airports system is encouraging travelers to arrive at least three hours early on Friday. Peak departure and arrival demand will create a heavy volume of travelers between 4 and 8:30 p.m.

New amenities have been implemented to ease some congestion in airports, like the George Bush Intercontinental Airport’s new International Arrivals Curb, which features six operational lanes to streamline traffic.

RELATED: Houston’s Bush Airport to open new international arrivals curb with aim of easing traffic congestion

Bush Airport has also doubled its customer service team to 70 employees in Terminals A and D, according to the airport system.

“This holiday season is one of the most important times of year for travelers, and Houston Airports is delivering a premiere experience that puts passengers first,” Jim Szczesniak, Houston Airports System director of aviation said in a statement.

The William P. Hobby Airport alone is expecting 755,000 passengers during the holiday period.

TSA screening has been modernized at the Hobby Airport with a detection system that enables passengers to keep approved liquids and laptops in their carry-on bags. New information kiosks are also now located on both sides of security to assist travelers navigating the airport, according to the airport system.

“As millions of people prepare to connect with loved ones or explore nonstop destinations around the globe, we’re focused on the details that matter— streamlining traffic, enhancing amenities and providing Houston-friendly hospitality at every touchpoint,” Szczesniak said.

“This commitment not only supports our passengers but also drives a significant economic impact for the region,” he said.

United Airlines is expecting more than 500 flights a day operating out of Bush Airport, and more than 9.9 million travelers taking flight with United Airlines across the country until Jan. 6, a 12 percent increase since last year’s numbers.

The 3.4 million travelers are expected to generate millions of dollars in local business revenue.

The airports system is encouraging travelers to reserve parking spots online, arrive at least two hours early for domestic flights, and use the TSA pre-check registration facility in Terminal C of the Bush Airport.