ST. LOUIS — Transportation Security Administration officials released their projected travel numbers for St. Louis Lambert International Airport for several days during Thanksgiving week. For the first time since 2019, Lambert is expected to see more than 20,000 passengers the day before Thanksgiving.
During the 12-day Thanksgiving travel period, which TSA considers to be Nov. 17-28, officials expect to screen 30 million passengers nationwide. Historically, the three busiest travel days for Thanksgiving are the Tuesday and Wednesday before and the Sunday after.
Here are the TSA's projected passenger numbers at Lambert Airport:
- Wednesday - 20,485 passengers expected
- Thanksgiving Day - 11,702
- Friday - 15,970
- Saturday - 19,859
- Sunday - 23,664
- Monday - 19,156
AAA officials, meanwhile, expect 4.7 million people will fly over Thanksgiving in the U.S., an increase of 6.6% compared to 2022 and the highest number of Thanksgiving air travelers since 2005.
TSA officials said nationwide, they are projecting to screen 2.7 million passengers on Wednesday and more than that on Sunday, which is likely to be the busiest travel day.
TSA officials said that when it comes to food, if you can spill it, spray it, spread it, pump it or pour it then it is a liquid and must be packed in your checked bag. Solid foods such as cakes and other baked goods can go through the TSA checkpoint. Also, make sure you have an acceptable ID and have it ready to show at the screening lane. Knowing these things ahead of time can help keep the lines going.
If you are flying this Thanksgiving holiday, Lambert officials suggest you:
- Arrive in the terminal two hours before your flight.
- Check FlySTL.com for parking lot availability and flight status.
- Contact your airline for any weather-related delays.
- Think ahead and expect some congestion.
Make sure to pack your patience, too. According to a recent study, Lambert is among the top 20 worst U.S. airports for holiday travel. Last holiday season, 36% of flights were delayed or canceled at the St. Louis airport. That year, the worst airports were in Texas, Florida and California. Lambert officials point out those numbers were majorly impacted by the Southwest meltdown, last year, and not an airport issue.
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