Long Beach Airport road work to pause amid record Thanksgiving travel surge
Airports across the country are gearing up for record holiday passenger volumes, with TSA expecting to break the busiest single day record on Dec. 1 with more than 3 million screenings.
Road work at Long Beach Airport will pause next week as officials prepare for a record holiday travel season, with an average of 13,000 people per day expected between Nov. 22 and Dec. 1.
During the 10-day holiday period, officials estimate 130,000 travelers would move through the small airfield. The figure marks an 8% increase from the same time last year, which would make it one of the busiest holiday seasons on record, officials said.
“Even during the busiest travel days of the season, we deliver a calm, cool and convenient travel experience,” Director Cynthia Guidry said in a statement. “We have ample, affordable parking just steps away from the Ticketing Lobby and a relaxing indoor-outdoor concourse environment with palm trees, a fire pit and local shops and restaurants.”
Officials expect Dec. 1 to be the busiest travel day with more than 16,000 people using the airport. More than 15,000 travelers are expected to pass through the airport Nov. 26 and 27, which is about 32% higher than a normal November day at Long Beach, according to the announcement.
The U.S. Transportation Security Administration on Tuesday announced it is preparing for the busiest Thanksgiving travel period ever.
“This holiday season is expected to be one of the busiest travel periods on record, and the vigilant people of the Transportation Security Administration stand ready to ensure the security and ease of travel,” Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas said in a statement. “Many members of the TSA workforce will be on duty throughout Thanksgiving Day and week and I am immensely grateful for their selfless dedication and professionalism.”
The administration is projected to screen 18.3 million people from Nov. 26 to Dec. 2, representing a 6% increase from the same period last year, according to the announcement. Additionally, record volumes have reached record highs this year after a 17% increase since 2022.
The record for heaviest passenger volume in TSA history was set on July 7 of this year, when more than 3 million people were screened at airport security checkpoints nationwide. The administration is expecting a similar volume on Sunday, Dec. 1.
To ease congestion, roadwork at the airport will be paused the week of Thanksgiving, opening up two additional lanes that have been closed since April. The closed lanes are set to be paved this week ahead of the rush, according to airport spokesperson Kate Kuykendall.
On Dec. 3, lane reductions will return with the two lanes closest to the historic terminal and ticketing buildings shutting down for improvements, Kuykendall said, adding that the full $16.6 million roadway improvement project will not be completed until early next year.
In addition to opening lanes, officials released tips to ensure travelers do not miss their flights, including arriving 90 minutes early, especially for morning flights, utilizing cell phone lots during pickups and verifying airline baggage rules and flight schedules in advance.
To bring in a little holiday cheer for those waiting in line, local artists will perform live as part of the LGB Live! seasonal music series.
“Whether you're reuniting with loved ones or setting off on a seasonal adventure, Long Beach Airport is committed to offering comfort and convenience, making your journey as enjoyable as the destination itself,” Mayor Rex Richardson said in a statement. “We’re proud to offer an easy, stress-free travel experience on some of the busiest travel days of the year.”
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