MIAMI – As the Thanksgiving travel season kicks into high gear, Miami International Airport is bracing for record-breaking passenger numbers.
The Transportation Security Administration expects more than 18 million travelers to pass through security checkpoints nationwide from now through Monday, marking what could be the busiest Thanksgiving travel period ever.
MIA alone is projected to see more than 150,000 passengers on Wednesday, about 2% more than last year.
Officials with the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport anticipate slightly fewer travelers, with a 2% drop in passenger volume attributed to fewer scheduled flights. However, it remains busy with Thanksgiving travelers.
A recent study by JetLe, a private jet technology company, analyzed last year’s Thanksgiving data and named MIA and FLL among the worst U.S. airports for holiday travel.
MIA reported the longest peak security wait times, averaging 54 minutes, while FLL had the highest percentage of delayed flights at 21% and an average wait time of 48 minutes.
Adding to potential challenges, weather in other parts of the country could disrupt travel schedules as storms are expected to move through key regions. Combined with air traffic controller shortages in the Northeast and the sheer volume of passengers, delays are likely.
Travelers are advised to arrive early, exercise patience, and consider TSA Precheck to expedite their security process. Despite the challenges, officials at both airports urge travelers to stay in the holiday spirit.