Syracuse airport expects 17 percent increase in Thanksgiving travelers compared to 2018

SYRACUSE, N.Y. — The Syracuse Regional Airport Authority (SRAA) on Friday said preparations are underway for an anticipated 17.3 percent increase in Thanksgiving week travelers compared to 2018.

The SRAA expects the volume on three days of the Thanksgiving travel stretch — Tuesday (Nov. 26), Saturday (Nov 30), and Sunday (Dec. 1) — to exceed 10,000 daily passengers, according to a news release from the authority.

For those flying from Syracuse, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) recommends arriving at least two hours before your scheduled departure time, “especially during peak times.” Peak departure times at the Syracuse airport generally occur from 4:30-6:30 a.m., 10 a.m.-12 p.m., and 4-6 p.m.

Due to the “significant increase” in passenger volume, the traveling public should expect “increased enforcement” of the active curb line policy at Syracuse Hancock International Airport. It means that only vehicles actively participating in pickups or drop offs may be present at the main curb line.

Those waiting for friends or loved ones to arrive are encouraged to wait — “free of charge” — in the cell phone lot, until their passengers confirm they are exiting the terminal.

The airport will also use additional volunteers to help during the bustling holiday travel season.

Volunteers from the popular PET program (Pets Easing Travelers) will be on hand with therapy dogs to comfort passengers. Volunteers from the Fly Guide Ambassadors program will also be available to provide directions and assistance to travelers in need.

Hancock will also provide holiday music in the terminal as part of its holiday concert series. It will feature performances from local community organizations, school groups, and local professional music groups.

Contact Reinhardt at ereinhardt@cnybj.com