HOUSTON — Houston Airports are expecting record travel this year for Thanksgiving.
On Sunday, more than 200,000 passengers were expected in both Bush (IAH) and Hobby (HOU) Airports. The Houston Airport System is asking travelers to plan and give themselves extra time for holiday travel.
KHOU 11 News spoke to both departing and arriving passengers Sunday, who shared mixed reviews of the congestion at Bush.
One pair of travelers was dressed for Christmas, with matching Louis Vuitton bags, black Ugg boots and shirts with "December 25" on the back.
“We just have fun dressing alike. We’ve done it for over...fifteen years,” Holli Heintschel from Mont Belvieu said.
“We weren’t friends in high school so we’re making up for it now,” Laura Templeton said.
The two went to Florida to decorate Heintschel’s daughter’s house for Christmas. After arriving back to IAH, they said they moved through the airport with ease.
“I mean it’s crowded but it’s what you expect this time of year. It’s exciting, getting the holidays started off and getting to decorate our own homes,” Heintschel said.
The Houston Airport System said more than 2.2 million travelers are expected over a 12-day Thanksgiving travel period. 10 days are forecasted to see more than 175,000 daily passengers at IAH and HOU combined.
Sunday, Dec. 1 will have an estimated 206,000 travelers, Friday, Nov. 22 will have 205,000 passengers and Sunday, Nov. 24 will have an estimated 200,000 passengers.
75% of passengers are flying domestically, like Jocelyn Perkins, who flew in from Seattle. She’s from Houston, so she’s prepared when traveling.
“Driving into Intercontinental is something else. That is actually what we plan for is driving into the airport,” Perkins said.
The Houston Airport System said it has police helping direct traffic. Last week, one extra lane reopened on N. Terminal Road, bringing the total lanes from three to four. Congestion is still expected on the roads according to airport officials.
Unforeseen delays don’t put a damper on some people’s holiday spirits.
“We’re pretty easy, we just want to get on the plane and go,” Heintschel said.
Houston Airport System encourages reserving parking online ahead of time, staying aware of traffic conditions and budgeting in extra time.
Construction could impact drive times at Bush Airport.