NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) – Norfolk International Airport is preparing for large crowds at the airport for the holiday season.
According to TSA, Thursday, Dec. 21, Friday, Dec. 29, and New Year’s Day are predicted to be the busiest travel days in the U.S., with an expected 2.5 million passengers per day, which is a 6% increase from last year. Last year’s busiest day was Dec. 29, when TSA at U.S. airports screened nearly 2.4 million passengers.
TSA screened nearly 30 million passengers during last month’s 12-day Thanksgiving holiday period, and broke the record for most passengers in a single day Nov. 26, as it screened more than 2.9 million passengers at security checkpoints across the country.
Norfolk International saw a 16.2% increase in passengers in November, with 384,763 passengers, and for the 10th month in a row, the airport has set a new monthly record for total passengers. For the first 11 months of 2023, Norfolk International’s total passenger count has gone up 10% to 4,172,646 passengers, compared to 3,791,866 passengers during the same period in 2022.
Last December, Norfolk International served 323,669 passengers, which was the second-highest December passenger count in the airport’s history. The airport has already surpassed its previous record for total passengers served in a year, having served 4,115,537 passengers in 2022.
“We are prepared to handle the busy passenger volumes this winter holiday season,” said TSA Administrator David Pekoske. “TSA’s continued success during this record year for travel is a direct result of teamwork, planning and professional execution across the agency, from our frontline employees to those behind the scenes; partnerships with airports and air carriers; and innovative checkpoint technologies that improve security effectiveness, efficiency and the passenger experience.”
The TSA released a list of tips to help travelers have a stress-free holiday:
- Pack smart by starting with an empty bag to avoid having weapons and prohibited items.
- Remember that liquids 3.4 ounces or less are allowed in your carry-on.
- Get to the airport two hours before your flight leaves.
- Make sure gifts are unwrapped, in case it needs to be inspected.
WAVY 10’s KaMaria Braye was at the Norfolk airport the day before the chaos to ask travelers how they planned for the busy travel season.
One woman, Erika Wilson, who is flying to Orlando to visit family, seemed to be well prepared, saying, “Just loving the holidays. Ready to get down there and enjoy and relax, and it’s just so exciting, but then be ready for the line. Be ready for the wait and have patience. Above all have patience and just enjoy yourselves.”
10 On Your Side’s Michelle Wolf spoke to travelers coming into Norfolk, including Hampton Roads native Kirk Hansen who was picking up his son flying in.
“He’s going to Art school in New York City and fortunately he still likes to come home for the holidays,” Hansen said. “I know time with family is more and more limited. I’m just going to enjoy having them under the same roof, probably do the lights at the boardwalk, some other holidays festivities. Really just spend time with family.”
Continue to check WAVY.com for updates.
