Minot Airport Director shares tips for holiday traveling

The week of Thanksgiving is the busiest airline travel time of the year, but there are ways to make your trip less stressful.

“During the holidays, we tend to have a lot of passengers who don’t travel on a regular basis,” Minot International Airport Director Jennifer Eckman said. “We want everyone to have a safe, enjoyable travel experience, and there are things they can do to help make that happen.”

Arrive at the airport at least 90 minutes before your flight if you are checking luggage. Airlines close ticket counters and all kiosk and mobile check-in avenues 45 minutes before the scheduled departure. The TSA checkpoint is open approximately 90 minutes before a scheduled departure.

Other tips include:

• Use gift bags instead of wrapping gifts. If wrapped items set off security screening alarms, they may have to be unwrapped to be inspected.
• Know your carry-on size as allowed by your airline, as well as the items allowed in your carry-on, and remember the 3-1-1 liquids rule. Visit TSA.gov.
• Many passengers travel with special foods and drinks to share during the holidays. Cakes, pies, and casseroles can travel in carry-on luggage but may require additional screening. Gravy and cranberry sauce are considered liquids and should be packed in checked luggage.
• Travel lightly, with just a carry-on if possible, to avoid lost luggage. Keep critical essentials in your carry-on: medications, chargers, and valuables.
• Lost luggage will require you to contact your airline directly. It’s a good idea to put an identification card inside your luggage, in case the ID tag on the outside falls off.
• Parking lot plug-ins are available in the long-term lot during cold weather.
• Trestle Tap House is open on the mezzanine or after screening.
• Weather changes can prompt flight updates. Those announcements will primarily originate with your airline and may also appear on MOTAirport.com or the Minot International Airport Facebook page.