TEXAS — Betty Field and her husband woke up bright and early to leave Las Vegas, Nev. and headed to Austin to see their daughter, but most importantly, their two grandkids. The couple was lugging three suitcases filled with holiday “magic” through busy airports in an effort to bring joy to their grandkids’ faces.
“The joy and just the excitement, you know, they can’t wait for Santa. I know our daughter’s been challenged by Elf on the Shelf. We have wrapping paper, tissue paper, ribbon, food and lots of gifts and clothing,” Field said.
The couple said they had a great experience traveling through the airport this year. However, that is not always the case for many travelers at airports in Texas, especially during one of the busiest travel days of the year.
Last year, in the days leading up to Christmas, just under 357,000 people were screened by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) at the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. Up north, Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport expects its busiest travel days at the start and near the end of the season, with over 265,000 passengers expected both on Friday, Dec. 19 and on Sunday, Dec. 28.
A spokesperson for the DFW airport said overall passenger traffic during the holiday travel period is projected to increase about 3.2% compared to last year. The airport recommends travelers arrive at the airport at least two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international flights to allow ample time to reach their gate.
The Fields said that no matter how busy it gets at the airport, they would never miss a holiday with their loved ones, especially all the laughs, smiles and unforgettable memories.