MIDLAND, Texas — If you are going to be travelling by plane this Christmas season, expect things to get quite hectic at the Midland International Airport.
Justine Ruff is the Director of Airports at MAF and has already seen foot traffic pick up during this month.
"We have quite an uptick in passengers during the holidays. We’re pretty busy right now that oil traffic has picked up," Ruff said. "But when you have the holidays and you introduce family travel to that, it makes it more hectic."
Ruff advises travelers to arrive at the airport at least 90 minutes early and to try and exercise patience with others.
"Be patient, you know, not everybody travels every week," Ruff said. "Sometimes it takes families a little longer, and the elderly a little longer, to get through the checkpoint, so just be patient about that."
One way to shave off a few minutes of time is to find a parking lot that may require a longer walk, as there is a higher chance of a spot being available.
"It’s gonna take a few minutes to find parking. We do have signage that tells you how many spots are available in each lot. If it looks like there are less than five spots available in a lot, don’t drive around looking for those five spots, and take a lot that has more spaces that may be a longer walk," Ruff said. "It will cut you time in the long run getting to your flight."
Lastly, Ruff said to leave your Christmas gifts unwrapped as you check them through customs, as TSA would have to open up those gifts to see what's inside.
"It’s important you don’t wrap your presents before you get to your destination because, particularly if they are in your hand luggage, they may have to unwrap them," Ruff said.