Thanksgiving Travel Rush Brings Crowds To Tulsa International Airport

As Thanksgiving approaches, travel is ramping up, with many hitting the road or heading to the airport.

For those flying this holiday season, these are some of the busiest travel days of the year, including at Tulsa International Airport (TIA).

TIA expects nearly 125,000 passengers to pass through this season, a 6% increase from last year. The rise is attributed to the addition of new flights and expanded availability of current routes.

With Thanksgiving being one of the most heavily traveled holidays, Kim Kuehler, TIA’s communications manager, advises travelers to allow extra time when heading to the airport.

"We recommend arriving early just in case you need extra time to find parking, get through TSA, and have a more relaxed experience," Kuehler said.

Nationwide, Dec. 1 is projected to be a particularly busy travel day. According to AAA, over 3 million people may be screened by airport security, potentially surpassing a record set earlier this summer.

Patricia Mancha, a spokesperson for TSA in Oklahoma, underscores the importance of patience and preparation, regardless of airport size.

“There will be a larger-than-normal number of travelers. It’s like rush hour traffic—delays are inevitable due to volume. The best advice we can offer is to arrive early," Mancha said.

Additionally, TIA reminds travelers to ensure carry-on items meet TSA guidelines to avoid delays during security checks.