TAMPA, Fla (WFLA) — With millions of people flying for Thanksgiving, winter storms could complicate travel plans.
The Transportation Security Administration said this Thanksgiving will be the busiest travel period on record. Those traveling at Tampa International Airport Monday said they think they are in the clear.
“I feel good, we’re getting ahead of it. It makes me want to watch it and make sure that the day of Thanksgiving where we’re going we’re tuned into the weather,” said the Witt Family. “We’ve been doing pretty well. We have a little bit of a delay tonight but hey, we’re not worried. It’s better than a hurricane.”
The storm systems brewing will push through the week. TSA projects to screen 18.3 million people. Those travelers should prepare for wait times at the airport.
“It definitely gives me some worries. I’ve experienced going through weather before in the airport so with the holidays and so many people being here already, yeah I’m not looking forward to that potential of missing flights, delayed flights,” said Brianna Nuzzo, a traveler.
By 9 p.m. Monday, TPA recorded 75 delays and one cancelled flight. Passengers said traveling didn’t feel as bad on Monday, considering a lot of them were ready for the holiday.
“I think people are just ready to see their family especially coming from Florida like we’ve just experienced a lot with these last two hurricanes so I think people are just ready to get away,” said Nuzzo.
The wait time standards for TSA are less than 10 minutes for TSA Precheck lanes and less than 30 minutes for standard screening lanes.
You are still encouraged to get to the airport early.