HANOVER TWP., LEHIGH COUNTY, Pa. - The number of holiday travelers this season isn’t just surpassing pre-pandemic levels at Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE). It’s reaching record highs.
- Passenger traffic at Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE) reached record highs for November
- A winter storm is approaching the Lehigh Valley, which may impact holiday travel
- Make sure to have a Plan B if you're traveling for Christmas and check the weather forecast at both your departure city and your destination
In November, they had 73,128 passengers passing through the airport, a 3.6% increase from November of last year.
And it looks like Christmas is going to be even busier.
"Any holiday week, there's more of a palpable energy in the terminal," said Colin Riccobon, spokesperson for the Lehigh-Northampton Airport Authority.
Typically, two days before Christmas is one of the busiest days for airports. But because the holiday falls on a Sunday this year, he predicts people may be traveling periodically through the week.
One thing he says people sometimes forget to do is to check the weather forecast at their destination. And weather will be particularly important to keep an eye on this year, with a significant storm expected to impact a large swath of the mid-Atlantic and Northeast.
"It's what you can do for the entire travel process," said Riccobon.
"You could face challenges. Make sure that you have some backup plans."Colin Riccobon, spokesperson for the Lehigh-Northampton Airport Authority
"You could face challenges," he said. "Make sure that you have some backup plans."
He recommends looking into rental cars and alternative modes of transportation, in case you have travel difficulties.
He also says there may be a chance you have to "be prepared to stay longer at wherever your destination is, until you have the opportunity to fly home."
He also noted that bigger airports might have longer wait times. It may seem like you have enough time to make your flight, but by the time you park your car, check in a bag, and go through security, that might not be the case. Especially because planes close the door before takeoff.
"While it looks like there's a lot," he said, "this time of the year, time can move very fast. Give yourself that extra time."
“This is the highest number of travelers during November since 2004,” said Thomas R. Stoudt, executive director of the Lehigh-Northampton Airport Authority. "Travel demand remains high."
However, not all airlines at ABE are doing equally well. Allegiant Airlines has increased passenger traffic by 24.6% and American Airlines by 8.2%. However, United Airlines had a small 0.9% decrease, and Delta passenger traffic declined 37.5%, compared to this time last year.
This is in part due to negotiations with Delta and pilots.
If you’re traveling this holiday, Stoudt, advises “giving yourself extra time and packing your patience.” The full travel checklist is below.
Holiday Travel Checklist
- Give yourself extra time – arrive at the airport (2) hours before your scheduled departure
- Research your specific airline’s travel requirements (carry-on bag policy, etc.)
- Have a “Plan B” in case of travel delays or cancellations
- Charge electronics (laptop, cell phone, etc.)
- Pack a snack and an empty refillable water bottle
- Know what you can pack in your carry-on and checked baggage