Charlotte Douglas Airport faces record-breaking post-Christmas travel rush

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) – Charlotte Douglas International Airport is buzzing with activity during the peak holiday travel season on the sixth day of what is expected to be the busiest 17-day stretch of the year.

During the period of December 20 through January 5, airport officials estimate that more than 2.75 million people will depart from the airport.

Dec. 26 and 27 are both what they call “peak days” for the airport as travelers leave their Christmas plans and others start New Year’s travel. The airport estimates that holiday travel this year will be nearly 10% busier than in 2023.

For context, the Thanksgiving travel season just a month ago set a record with 990,000 passengers departing the airport between Nov. 21 and Dec. 2.

Officials are advising travelers to expect similar crowds this holiday season.

What Travelers Need to Know

Charlotte Douglas Airport offers several resources to help passengers navigate the bustling terminals:

• Security wait times: The airport provides real-time updates on security line conditions on its website. Travelers are still encouraged to arrive at least two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international departures.
• Parking reservations: Parking can be booked ahead of time online. Travelers can input their travel dates and secure a spot at the airport or nearby providers.
• Traffic adjustments: During peak times, the inner three lanes of the departure level roadway will open to all vehicles. Shuttle buses will operate from the lower arrivals level, and passengers can be picked up on either the upper or lower levels.

Travelers Share Their Experiences

Passengers have been adjusting to the crowds with a mix of preparation and patience. Rachel, a traveler headed to Ft. Lauderdale, described the long security lines but noted, “It’s the memories we do it for. You forget about waiting when you’re with family.”

Zoe, another passenger flying to New York, heeded advice to arrive early, saying, “My mom told me to get here early, but not like this. It’s crazy.”

Despite the challenges, she believed her two-hour buffer window would be enough to make her flight.

A Recent Glitch Highlights Potential Travel Disruptions

Earlier this week, a technology issue temporarily grounded all American Airlines flights nationwide, adding to the already intense holiday travel atmosphere. While the issue was resolved within a few hours, it served as a reminder of how quickly travel plans can be disrupted.

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