Tips for making flights on spring break

In case you haven’t already noticed, it is ugly at the airports this week.

About 2.3million passengers are expected to jam the airports from now through March 19, surpassing the 2.2 million passengers in pre-pandemic 2019 and easily exceeding last year’s 1.8 million for the week.

You can thank spring break for that. And, of course, the pandemic. Airport officials say travelers are breaking out of the COVID hunker-down mindset and getting out there. The rise of remote work is also spurring more people to travel.

So what can you do to make sure you don’t miss your flight? Airport officials have some tips.

If you’re headed to George Bush Intercontinental Airport:

Arrive extra early. Plan on needing an extra hour to park, check in and get through TSA security. Remember, there is ongoing construction of a new international terminal at Bush airport, which can slow down travelers. Airport parking is expected to be rough, so set aside extra time to find a spot. If you can’t find a spot, find another parking lot.

Use the correct terminal. Spirit Airlines and American Airlines passengers should be picked up at Terminal A on SouthTerminalRoad. All other travelers landing at TerminalA can be picked up along North TerminalRoad. Check signs for the correct pickup locations.

Going to Bush or Hobby airports?

Reserve airport parking online. That will guarantee you a spot in a garage or ecopark lot.

Hang out in a free cell phone lot. You’ll get in and out faster if your passenger is ready with their bags at the arrivals curb.

Know what you can and can’t bring on the airplane. Keep your alcohol over 140 proof at home. No bear spray. No cooking spray. And — surprise!— no dynamite. For a full list of prohibited items, go to https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/all.