Holiday travel in full gear at SMF as millions expected to fly this season
The holiday season has its usual inconveniences, but overall, Friday was a seamless travel day at Sacramento International Airport.
"It's so far a lot easier. We got here three hours early – maybe a little too early," said Michael Schad, who's spending the next week with family members in Texas.
Travelers had the same idea: save some money and avoid crowds next week.
"We were definitely trying to get away sooner. It was a little less expensive to fly a little sooner, so it worked out well," said Candace Schad from Gold Run.
TSA expects to screen 40 million people through Jan. 2.
Large crowds are expected in Sacramento on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday, but this year, there will be no record-breaking numbers.
"Sunday after Thanksgiving, we saw 25,000 passengers come through, which was a record for us. I don't know if we hit those numbers again this time, but it's usually going to be – depending on the day – about 20,000 to 22,000 people coming through the airport on any given day,” said spokesperson, Scott Johnston.
Johnston also said that SMF has brought in additional workers during the holiday season to help ease the travel flow.
For those planning to pick up someone at the airport, staff ask that you stay in the free waiting area until that person arrives to avoid traffic congestion.
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