Expect Full Planes For Thanksgiving Travel Out Of OKC

A spokesperson for Will Rogers World Airport says to expect packed planes for the Thanksgiving holiday.

The busiest travel days are projected to be the Sunday and Monday after the holiday, followed by Friday, November 19, and Wednesday, November 23, the day before Thanksgiving.

"We do anticipate that the flights out of [Will Rogers World Airport] will be full," said airport spokesperson Karen Carney. "We also anticipate more people traveling on non-traditional days such as the Tuesday before and the Tuesday after Thanksgiving."

Carney suggests travelers educate themselves before heading to the airport so they can have a stress-free experience. She says security lines at the airport tend to move quickly, but wait times will likely increase because there will be more flyers hauling more carry-on luggage, coats, jackets and holiday gifts.

"I think the biggest mistake people make when flying is not paying close enough attention to the items they are bringing through the checkpoint," said Kim Wagner, TSA Customer Service Coordinator for Oklahoma City. "We constantly find prohibited items like scissors or knives. It slows the entire screening process, not just for the traveler with the item, but for everyone in line behind them."

The airport offers these tips to get you through the security checkpoint quicker:

• Before you come to the airport, check to make sure you do not have any prohibited items in your carry on, purse, briefcase or pockets.

• If in doubt, check the TSA website, www.tsa.gov or download the TSA mobile App which has a great "Can I Bring?" feature.

• Do not wrap presents.

• Have your boarding pass and photo ID ready to show the ticket checker when you approach.

• Be sure all liquids and gels are three ounces or less and contained in one, quart-sized, zip lock bag. This bag must be placed separately in a bin.

• Any liquids such as bottles of water, juice, or soda, must be consumed or disposed of before entering the checkpoint. Holiday snacks are OK as long as you cannot squish, squeeze or pour it. (Like jelly, BBQ sauce, etc.)

• Coats, jackets and shoes must be removed. They can be placed in the same bin as the zip lock bag.

• Laptops must be removed from the carrying case and placed in a separate bin

• Places all valuables such as jewelry, cell phones and wallets in a carry-on, purse, or the pocket of a jacket. This will make it easier to keep track of it all.

• Bottles of baby formula, breast milk and liquid medications are allowed through the checkpoints.

• No guns are allowed through the checkpoint. Unload them, declare them to your airline and pack them in checked baggage with a TSA approved lock.

Carney also warns to be ready for weather that can delay travel. Passengers should check the weather forecast in their destination city as well as connecting cities. If winter storms may affect your travel, contact the airline before leaving for the airport. Carney says planning ahead for bad weather could also make your trip more tolerable:

• Pack extra snacks in case food is not readily available.

• Bring along books or games to keep yourself and your children occupied.

• Pack a change of clothing and toiletries in your carry on.