APPLETON, WI (WTAQ) – As many people across Northeast Wisconsin are leaving the area for the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, local airports are expecting an even larger influx as travelers return.
Appleton International Airport has seen traffic return above 2019 levels since June, but those numbers will reach even bigger heights this weekend.
“As we go past the holiday season, we’ll see the additional traffic. Especially from carriers like Allegiant adding more flights to some of the great destinations they serve out of Appleton,” said Airport Director Abe Weber. “We certainly have the normal, large group of passengers that have left town for Thanksgiving but we also have a home Packers game that’s going to increase that traffic even more.”
Weber expects to see about 1,500 to 2,000 travelers pass through the terminal both on Sunday and Monday. A typical weekday sees closer to 1,000 people.
“We have seen travelers coming back and returning to travel. The terminal has been moderately busy throughout the day, so that’s great to see from an airport perspective,” Weber said. “We feel like we’ve been kind of a leader in regards to passengers returning to travel through our airport.”
But as travelers prepare to take flight this holiday season, there are a number of reminders to take into consideration. That includes leaving the champagne and wrapping paper at home.
“[TSA is] seeing a lot of large liquid bottles coming through the checkpoints nowadays, and having to remind people that they can’t bring liquids over 3.4 ounces,” Weber said. “If you are traveling with any gifts, we ask that you please leave them unwrapped so that they can be inspected. As part of Appleton Airport, we have established a Christmas gift wrapping station just beyond the checkpoints.”
