Spring break travel tips, Milwaukee airport expects busy season
MILWAUKEE - Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport staff said they expect this spring break travel season to be much busier than the last.
Jazmin Ramirez is already traveling and made Milwaukee her first stop of the season.
"I am here for the weekend to visit my friends," she said. "Not a single seat empty (on the plane). Although I was coming from Miami, up here it was so full – everybody was traveling."
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Brian Dranzik, the airport's director, said the total number of airline seats departing from Milwaukee this month is around 360,000 – roughly 20% more than last March. The peak departure days are expected to be March 23 and March 30.
"Over the next few weeks we are going to be especially busy here," he said. "Even though we had a mild winter, many individuals are still excited to take advantage of warm weather destinations, and we are excited to see them off on their much-needed vacations.
The flights leaving Milwaukee include 26 non-stop routes to Florida hot spots and several others to Phoenix, Cancun, Puerto Vallarta and other tropical destinations.
Airport officials said parking facilities could fill up on the busiest days. They recommend travelers use the MKE SmartPark app for iOS and for Android.
Security/TSA
TSA officials are offering tips to travelers to ensure a smooth experience. That includes a reminder of prohibited items – and to follow instructions during the screening process. Planning ahead and packing properly can facilitate the screening process and ease your travel experience at the airport.
- Learn how to properly travel with firearms in checked luggage.
- What can I bring?
- The security screening process
- Passenger support: TSA Cares is a helpline that provides travelers with disabilities, medical conditions and other special circumstances with additional assistance during the security screening process. You may also request assistance through the TSA screening checkpoint by clicking here.
Carry-on baggage screening in standard lanes
- Food: In most cases, food or snacks such as fruit, health bars, and sandwiches can stay inside your carry-on bag. There are special instructions for liquids, gels, and aerosols, as well as for baby food, breast milk and medically necessary items.
- Packing: If you are preparing for your flight, be aware that how and what you pack can impact the screening process. Be sure that you check for prohibited items and remember to follow the 3-1-1 liquids rule.