South Bend International Airport prepares for busy holiday travel week

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- The South Bend International Airport is preparing for a busy week of Thanksgiving travel, with the airport expecting to see a 25 percent increase compared to previous years.

Local airport officials encourage passengers to arrive two hours prior to departure to allow you to get through the security checkpoint, check your luggage, and even grab a bite to eat before boarding.

As the airport navigates the holiday week the advice is clear, plan ahead, stay patient, and be prepared.

Traveling early has been a strategy for some people to avoid potential delays or higher cost.

Whether you're flying in or out of South Bend Airport this holiday season, it’s important to give yourself extra time just in case you run into delays at the checkpoint or on your way to the airport.

Vice President of Marketing and Development at the South Bend International Airport Julie Curtis shares some helpful tips to make your traveling a little bit easier.

“The key is to arrive early, that’s really what we can’t stress enough. The great thing about flying in and out of South Bend is how convenient it is, but people need to remember that the airlines do close boarding prior to departure so you want to make sure that you're at the gate with plenty of time so that you don’t miss your flight," said Curtis.

South Bend International Airport has more flights this year, so travelers are encouraged to check their flight status before heading to the airport, to be aware and prepared for long lines at check in, and security checkpoints.

Travelers celebrating two holidays this season are encouraged to travel with unwrapped gifts to prevent delays at the TSA checkpoint and to bypass those delays they suggest you utilize gift bags instead.

“Remember to keep those unwrapped and wrap them at your destination because if TSA does need to look at those items further, they are going to unwrap them,” said Curtis.

During peak times it’s important to know the TSA 311 rule to prevent throwing away items and slowing down the TSA line.

You can preview those TSA guidelines here so you're able to check for items that are not allowed inside your checked and carry-on luggage.