ARLINGTON, Va. — Travelers planning on catching a flight during Thanksgiving week need to think about how they plan on getting to the airport, as parking garages at both Dulles International and Reagan National start to fill up.
“We’ve had a couple of weekends where parking nearly filled. It got full in the garages, it got pretty tight in economy parking so this year we’re advising people to reserve parking in advance to guarantee an available spot," said Rob Yingling, the spokesperson for the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority.
Yingling said it's been a while since the airports experienced busy roads, busy terminals, and lines. All things he said we used to see before the pandemic as we approached Thanksgiving.
As of Monday evening, one of Reagan National's parking garages was at 80%, another at 73%, and the economy lot at 63%.
Things were busier at Dulles International Monday evening where one garage was full, another garage was at 61%, the airport's terminal lot was at 75%, and the economy lot was at 45% capacity.
“Today was looking really busy," Yingling said. "Tomorrow, Tuesday a little busier. Wednesday a little busier yet and then Sunday the busiest of them all.”
For peace of mind airport officials are recommending people reserve their spot online.
"Reserve online, put in when you’re going to arrive and depart the parking facility and when you arrive here, you’ll have a QR code to get you in the entrance even if it’s full," Yingling said.
Security lines at Reagan National varied in length dependent upon the time travelers arrived at the airport.
There are many changes at Reagan National when it comes to security screenings than in years past.
New security checkpoints have been set up for Terminals B and C. Travelers can no longer access the lower level of the main hall without a ticket.
Yingling recommends getting to the airport two hours before a domestic flight is scheduled to depart and three hours before the departure of an international flight.
Despite all the changes at Reagan National, one traveler said she was surprised by how calm the travel screening process was Monday afternoon.
“I mean, it’s honestly been kind of quiet," said Arlington resident Madison Owen. "I thought it was going to be off the charts."