This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
This archival content was originally written for and published on KPCC.org. Keep in mind that links and images may no longer work — and references may be outdated.
More passengers to pack LAX for Thanksgiving travel compared to last year
A family stacks their luggage on a cart after getting dropped off curbside before checking in at the Virgin America terminal at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) on November 23, 2011 in Los Angeles, California.
(
Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images
)
Pack some patience if you’re flying out of Los Angeles International Airport for Thanksgiving.
Officials predict a 6.8 percent increase in travelers over the same time last year. More than 1.87 million passengers passed through LAX during the 2012 Thanksgiving holiday period.
LAX spokeswoman Nancy Castles said the math is simple: More seats on larger aircrafts mean more passengers will travel through the airport’s gates.
“We’ve had a significant number of new international flights and new international service,” said Castles. “So it’s important that they allow enough time to check in, go through federal security screening, and then to reach their boarding gates.”
She said along with more travelers, "passengers will see more uniformed officers, more patrol vehicles, officers on segues, on bicycles. They’ll see more canine units as well.”
That's typical for holidays.
Officials won't talk about specific security changes brought on by the fatal shooting at Terminal 3 earlier this month, but emphasize passenger safety is the top priority.
Sponsored message
One travel website predicts LAX will be the busiest airport in the country this Thanksgiving flying season. And while Wednesday is sure to be busy, the most hectic travel day is actually the Sunday after turkey day.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
