Charlotte Douglas Ramps Up for Holiday Travel

CHARLOTTE, NC — More passengers than ever. Longer lines. More security.
This is the busiest travel week of the year, and Charlotte Douglas is ramping up, trying to keep things running smoothly. The airport, the TSA and CMPD are urging travelers to get their early; and to make sure you leave one item at home!

“So far, so good,” says Grace Jannotta, traveling home to Newport, Rhode Island. “I’m not checking a bag. So I’m really excited to go home.”

“I’m going to get home two days before Thanksgiving, and that’s time to start cooking the turkey,” says Phyllis Agnew.

Agnew is heading home to Phoenix, Arizona, passing through Charlotte Douglas on the edge of the holiday week rush.

“This airport is very, very organized,” says Agnew.

And authorities are aiming to keep it that way. Tuesday and Wednesday will be the busiest for passengers flying out of Charlotte. Sunday and Monday for returns.

“It looks like most of our hubs will have pretty good weather throughout this weekend,” says American Airlines spokesperson Katie Cody. “So we hope that means good things for all of our travelers.”

Weather is always a factor. But so are heavy traffic, increased parking demand and an additional 156,000 passengers in the airport during the week; a 4% increase over 2015.

“Record breaking numbers of passengers in the summer, and since that time we’ve also seen some increased staffing TSA here in Charlotte,” says TSA Security Director Kevin Frederick. “Increased staffing to the point where we’re going to have plenty of people here to handle the crowds as we go through this busy holiday period.”

The TSA has added 35 new officers since the summer, which should help keep those check point lines moving.

“We’ve seen several police dogs go by, and everything looks secure,” says Winston-Salem resident Carol Miller.

One thing that will slow down those lines; people bringing guns to the airport in their carry on bags. Charlotte Douglas has seen 52 at check points in 2016. There were only 39 all of last year.

“It’s not being a responsible gun owner,” says CMPD Captain Greg Collins, who oversees the airport. “If you don’t know where your gun is, and you think it’s at home, and it’s in a bag when you bring it to the check point; you’re going to go to jail.”