While the holiday rush is behind us, there always seem to be some travel hiccups and unexpected congestion when going through the airport. If you want to travel like a pro and avoid the snags, the experts offer some advice.
One major point of debate is when you should show up to the airport. And it makes sense that answers differ, because the airport is busier depending on the day of the week and time of day. Stacey D. Hamm, marketing manager for the Oklahoma City Will Rogers World Airport, says arriving two hours before your flight boards – not departs – is always a safe bet.
“That way, you have time to find parking, make your way to the terminal, check your bags and make your way through the security checkpoint,” she explains.
Getting stopped at security by a TSA agent is another concern. While some searches are random, there are ways to deter this.
“Make sure you have the proper, current ID,” says Hamm. “Do not have anything in your bags that you are not supposed to take through the security checkpoint.”
Alongside that, being kind always helps.
“Do not touch any TSA agent or airline staff no matter how frustrated you become,” says Hamm. “Keep your hands to yourself. Also, be kind to others, as some people become very nervous about flying and trying to navigate an airport.”
Kim Kuehler, the communications manager at the Tulsa Airports Improvement Trust, offers resources to avoid packing prohibited items in your luggage.
“We suggest using TSA’s ‘What Can I Bring?’ tool to check your items in advance,” she says. That can be found at tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring.
If you, like many, are a nervous flyer or wish to avoid major crowds, there are certain days of the week that are less congested.
“The busiest days of the week for the OKC airport are Thursday and Friday for departures,” says Hamm. “The slowest day is Monday.”
In Tulsa, the days of the week are fairly consistent, but Mondays, Fridays and Sundays are slightly busier since they have two to three flights more per day, says Kuehler.
“You can count on the OKC airport to be really busy in the summer, as you have people traveling for conferences and vacations,” says Hamm. “The second busiest day of the year would be Christmas.”
Kuehler agrees.
“Our busiest periods [in Tulsa] are Thanksgiving week, Christmas week and spring break,” she shares. “All summer break is busier since families are traveling, and we have a few seasonal routes that come back from the Memorial Day–Labor Day period.”
Hamm offers just a few more tips to help you fly without much hassle.
“Plan and prepare before you leave the house,” she says. “Know what the airline rules are, as they are different per airline. Low airfare carriers will only check you in at the counter 45 minutes before your flight. If you come 30 minutes before your flight, you will miss it, as no one will be at the ticket counter. The major carriers such as Southwest, American, Delta, and United will have ticket agents at the counter up to one hour before your flight.”
Real ID: What to Know
The REAL ID is a federal security credential added to state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards that establishes a minimum security standard required for specific activities. Oklahomans can continue using standard driver’s licenses or identification cards for these activities until May 7, 2025. After that, you’ll need a REAL ID or a valid federal identification document – like a U.S. passport – to board domestic flights.
“That is not too far away,” she says. “Those who do not have a current passport or REAL ID should be working to get those so they can fly domestically after May 7.”
How to know if your license is a REAL ID? Check for the star in the upper right corner. For more information, go online to dhs.gov/real-id.
Featured image cutline: At Will Rogers World Airport in OKC, experts say the busiest days are Thursdays and Fridays, while the slowest is Monday. Photo courtesy Will Rogers World Airport
