Holiday Travel Rush Hits Sarasota-Bradenton, TSA and FHP Offer Safety Tips

As the holiday season begins, millions of Americans are hitting the skies and roads for Thanksgiving travel. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) projects that 18.3 million people will fly to their destinations nationwide through Monday.

Locally, Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) is experiencing an unprecedented surge in travelers. Tuesday is expected to be the busiest travel day at the airport, with 20,000 passengers passing through, followed closely by another busy day on Saturday. Frequent flyers at SRQ, accustomed to minimal wait times, have found themselves navigating lines reminiscent of larger airports.

Meanwhile, roadways are seeing an influx of travelers. AAA estimates that approximately 80 million Americans will drive to their Thanksgiving celebrations by the end of the week. The Florida Highway Patrol urges drivers to prioritize safety during this high-traffic period, emphasizing the importance of staying focused and avoiding distractions.

Whether traveling by air or road, officials remind everyone to plan ahead, leave early, and stay patient as millions share the journey to holiday destinations.