News

Bracing for holiday crush, AVL warns flyers to arrive early

By Lightning Reports, Published: November 19, 2022

Thanksgiving travel is expected to reach record numbers this year at Asheville Regional Airport so passengers scheduled to fly next week should be prepared.

AVL tracks passenger numbers for Wednesday through Sunday of Thanksgiving holiday week each year and the numbers reported this year are the highest in the airport's history. The busiest days will be Wednesday, Nov. 23, Saturday, Nov. 26 and Sunday, Nov. 27.

"The upcoming travel numbers we are seeing are similar to peak travel days experienced this summer and fall," said Lew Bleiweis, President and CEO. "We're ready and are asking passengers to also plan ahead so they have a smooth travel experience."

Travelers are advised to arrive at least two hours prior to their flight time, an important rule to follow to ensure time to find parking, wait in line at the ticket counter and security, and to allow time for any unexpected delays.

It is also good practice to make a parking plan ahead of travel. AVL has multiple parking options, including a new overflow lot. If a traveler arrives at the airport to find that the main lots are full, watch for signs with instructions. For passenger convenience, airport shuttles operate continuously between the Shuttle Lot and Overflow Lots A and B, to and from the front curb of the airport.