ROMULUS, Mich. – Spring break travel is in full swing, and airports across the country — including Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) — are feeling the pressure. Travelers are being urged to plan ahead as longer lines and potential delays make for a more hectic experience this season.
Arrive early — and then some
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“You go by what they tell you on Delta airlines. They said between 2 and 3 ½ hours,” said traveler Bonnie Lance.
That window could vary, however, depending on the destination. Some airports are more congested than others, as traveler Camila Lesky found out firsthand.
“It was crazy navigating LAX. I had to ask three different people to take me because no one wants to navigate that, right?” Lesky said.
Pack smart, plan ahead
Travel expert Sandra Black, of Escapes by Sandra, says pre-planning is the key to a smoother trip.
“Making sure you have those essential bags. Just keeping those small bags on you with things such as your medications, things like snacks especially when traveling with young children. Even an extra change of clothes if there’s any delays getting to your destination,” Black said.
Expect the unexpected
Peak spring break travel, combined with questions surrounding TSA pay, is creating longer lines and busier days at airports nationwide — and for many travelers, the stress is real.
Traveler Ed Porto experienced the frustration firsthand after his plans were derailed.
“Yesterday we left from Rochester we had our connecting flight here to Chattanooga we got cancelled last night,” Porto said. “Now we’re trying to get to Nashville so we can drive to Chattanooga today.”
Lesky offered a simple piece of advice for anyone heading to the airport this season.
“This is cliche but expect the unexpected. You never know when the next wave of people are going to show up. Always make sure to be overprepared rather than underprepared,” she said.
Trump signs executive action on TSA pay
In an effort to ease long lines, President Donald Trump signed an executive action Friday to pay TSA workers after Congress failed to agree on Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funding. Trump stated the air traffic system is “at its breaking point.”