Holiday Travel Tips From the Boise Airport

(Boise, Idaho) - The Boise Airport is preparing for one of its busiest times of the year, Thanksgiving week, in what is shaping up to be a record year of passenger travel at the airport. If you are planning to fly this holiday season, review the tips below before arriving at the airport.

THE AIRPORT WILL BE BUSY
During November’s peak holiday travel period—the Friday before Thanksgiving to the Monday afterwards—BOI expects to welcome over 150,000 travelers.

Peak travel days this Thanksgiving are expected to be Sunday (11/20) and Wednesday (11/23) prior to the holiday, and Sunday (11/27) and Monday (11/28) following the holiday.

PARKING IS LIMITED
BOI Upgrade, the airport’s multiyear expansion project, is currently underway, which includes construction of a new public parking garage. Due to unprecedented growth in the Treasure Valley and a record number of passengers, close-in terminal parking is limited.

Check the live feed of available parking capacity on the airport’s parking page before you start driving to help make an informed decision about where you may find parking. If you choose to drive yourself to the airport it is likely you will need to utilize the newly expanded Economy Parking Lot.

The Economy Parking Lot is located at Victory and Orchard (5600 W. Victory Rd.) and is serviced by a shuttle that runs every 15 minutes. Feeling crunched for time? Curbside valet, operated by local company The CarPark, is available on the east end of the upper curb. The Boise Airport recommends travelers make an online reservation in advance of your arrival to guarantee your spot. Reservations can be made here.

Parking contingencies have been put in place if traditional parking options reach capacity. An overflow parking lot is located adjacent to the Economy Lot and will be utilized if necessary.

IF YOU CAN, USE A RIDESHARE
If possible, the airport encourages passengers to use a rideshare service like Uber and Lyft, taxis, or other modes of transportation to arrive for your flight. Enjoy an easy curbside drop off at the terminal and help reduce strain on the airport’s limited parking capacity—saving space for passengers from outside the Treasure Valley and others who must drive.

ARRIVE TWO HOURS EARLY
Passengers should check with their airlines to verify the status of their flight before arriving at the airport. As the airport gets busier, it remains critical for travelers to give themselves enough time to navigate the travel process without stress or concern for missing their flights. Best bet? Arrive at least two hours prior to flight departure. Remember that parking may include a shuttle ride from the Economy Lot to the terminal. Planning accordingly will give you ample time to check-in with your airline and clear the security checkpoint before your flight.

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.

• Visit 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.
• Sign up for automated airline flight status alerts sent directly to your smart phone and download boarding passes at home.
• When picking up passengers, please utilize the cell phone waiting area 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.

###