Plan Ahead for Stress-free Holiday Travel

Boise, Idaho – Thanksgiving is traditionally one of the busiest holiday travel periods each year—and 2021 is no exception. Boise Airport officials expect to see passenger levels on par with 2019, which holds the record for the airport’s busiest travel year to date.

“While passenger traffic is still down for many airports around the country, the Boise Airport has rebounded back to pre-pandemic levels,” said Boise Airport Director, Rebecca Hupp. “We are expecting a busy holiday travel season, which means passengers should give themselves a little extra time when flying.”

Follow the tips below to be prepared for your flight and keep your holiday travel stress-free.

ARRIVE EARLY
The Boise Airport recommends passengers arrive two hours before their departure time during the holiday season. This gives passengers ample time to park, check-in and pass through the security checkpoint.

PLAN FOR PARKING
With the anticipated high volume of passengers, the airport’s close-in parking could reach capacity around the holidays. Before you start driving to the airport, visit the “Parking & Transportation” page on the Boise Airport’s website, iflyboise.com. This page shows a live view of the number of spots available at each of the airport’s parking lots. Checking this page ahead of time will help you understand which lots have spots available, so you can find parking more efficiently.

TRY THE ECONOMY LOT
The airport encourages passengers to utilize the economy (shuttle) parking lot, located at 5600 W. Victory Road. The free shuttle runs every 15 minutes and can be tracked in real-time by downloading the “Ride Systems” app and choosing “Boise Airport.”

The busiest travel days are projected to be Tuesday and Wednesday before Thanksgiving, and Sunday and Monday after the holiday. On these peak days, over 14,000 passengers could be travelling through the Boise Airport.

KNOW WHAT YOU CAN PACK
TSA encourages passengers to pack smart. Prepare for security when packing and ensure that there are no prohibited items in baggage. As always, passengers can bring pies, cakes and other baked goods through the checkpoints; however, liquids such as eggnog, gravy, and gels such as preserves and jellies, should go into checked luggage.

The Boise Airport has a few extra tips to ensure your travel goes smoothly.

• Federal regulations require masks are worn at the Boise Airport, as well as all other airports across the country. Please help keep holiday travel safe and sanitary by wearing a mask snugly over your mouth and nose.
• Visit www.tsa.gov to learn what items are restricted. Then double check your luggage, both carry-on and checked, to make sure none of these items were packed. 
• Visit your airlines’ website to check flight status before heading to the airport.
• When picking up passengers, please utilize the short-term parking lot or cell phone waiting lot if you arrive early. The curb is for active loading and unloading only. Waiting or parking on the curb is a violation of city code and could result in a fine.
• If you get busy in the holiday hustle and bustle and accidently leave an item at the airport, you can fill out an online form and the airport will begin searching for your lost item.

The Boise Airport wishes everyone a happy holiday season and enjoyable travel.

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