Preparing for the busy Fourth of July travel at Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport

ROANOKE, Va. (WDBJ) – Airports around the country and here at home are preparing for what could be the busiest Fourth of July travel season on record.

TSA predicts 32 million people will be screened during the holiday season, and three million people are expected to fly out this Friday.

“The check in counters will be busier the TSA screening the parking lots, there’s a lot going on,” explained Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport Public Relations Officer Alexa Briehl.

Some are already experiencing flight changes. When traveling on Monday – Melissa Isgett’s connection flight in Philadelphia was cancelled. ROA agents helped her find a new route.

“I should have been in my final destination by now,” said Isgett. “But we’re making it an all-day adventure.”

Isgett says having the regional airport so close by allowed her to go home and wait. Her tip to others is to be patient.

“(I have) friends who work in the airport in the industry and they’re people just like you and they’re trying to get you where you want to go,” added Isgett. “So, if you be kind to them, they’ll be kind to you”

With all flights 80 to 100% full at ROA, Briehl is warning people to arrive at least 2 hours early. This extra time allows for finding parking, checking in, navigating through security checkpoints, and reaching your departure gate without unnecessary stress.

“To find a parking space, get checked in get through security and get to your gate,” said Briehl.

Especially with construction in the parking lots. While these improvements are aimed at enhancing the traveler experience in the long run, they may cause temporary inconvenience such as traffic and potential delays during the immediate term. New entrances and exits may be in place to accommodate the construction phases, and understanding these changes beforehand can prevent last-minute confusion.

“So, the parking lot project will have repaving resurfacing, there’ll be larger drive lanes, new lighting, electric vehicle charging infrastructure,” explained Briehl. “So there’s going to be some improvements.”

Throughout the project there’s closures and new ways to get in and out of the lots.

“We’re going to open up phase one, so that parking will be open,” added Briehl. “So, you’re going to want to familiarize yourself with the project. There’s going to be some new entrances and a singular exit.”

Briehl says it’s crucial to remember that certain items, such as firearms and fireworks, are strictly prohibited on flights.

For more information on the renovations, click here.

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