Get ready for a busy weekend. Thousands of tourists are expected to arrive in North Texas on Monday to view the total solar eclipse.
That means arrival terminals at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport and Dallas Love Field, the gateways to the region, will gradually become busier in the days leading up to April 8.
Experts say all airports in the path of the eclipse are treating the event like a busy holiday weekend, with authorities pinning Sunday and Monday morning as the biggest days for travelers heading to eclipse viewing sites. I predict that it will.
The Federal Aviation Administration is warning pilots, airports and travelers about possible delays for travel across the eclipse path.
“Airports along the path of the eclipse may experience more traffic than would normally be expected. Delays should be expected during peak traffic times, especially for small and well-controlled airports. Parking may be limited at airports where there are no IFR departure permits. Delays in issuance of IFR departure permits may occur. VFR departers may also be required to airlift IFR permits within 50 nautical miles on either side of the eclipse path. “Delays may be expected in pick-ups due to COVID-19,” the agency said in a statement.
It's unclear how many visitors are expected to visit Dallas, but city leaders are relying on information shared from Nashville during the 2017 solar eclipse. The city's population has increased by 35%, which city leaders say will mean about 400,000 more visitors to Dallas.
Click here for more information on travel warnings for Dallas visitors.
Additionally, 90% of the city's 35,000 hotel rooms are booked, many for multi-day stays, according to Dallas tourism group Visit Dallas.
That doesn't even include surrounding cities, which have already declared states of emergency for the huge number of people expected in North Texas.
As a result, both major airports have increased staff and strengthened security and traffic patrols.
Dallas Love Field projects a 30% increase in road traffic and passenger foot traffic between Sunday, April 7th and Tuesday, April 9th.
“In anticipation of increased activity, DAL plans to deploy mass traffic procedures similar to those for major holidays and important events. Preparations include additional personnel, facilities, parking and road traffic monitoring. This includes increased reinforcement, security patrols, and supply stockpiles,” the airport said in a statement this week.
Dallas Aviation Director Patrick Carreno said the influx of tourists to North Texas is an opportunity for the airport to shine.
“This is a great opportunity to show what Dallas is all about,” he said. “We recognize that we are a gateway, and we may be the first place people come to this area. No,” he said. Therefore, we want to do our best to represent our city and region well. ”
Love Field will have a full complement of customer care volunteers in the arrivals area to greet visitors, answer questions and transport them on their way to view the eclipse. For those arriving before April 7, volunteers are sharing information about eclipse-related events in DFW, including a festival hosted by the Frontiers of Flight Museum near Love Field.
“They are clearly visible because they are there to help. We also have visitor information booths inside the terminal when you exit the gate and when you exit the baggage claim area. ,” Carreno said. “I think this is a great opportunity. You know, we try to be on top of our game every day.”
Rental car companies are also preparing for congestion.
DFW Airport rental car companies are predicting a record-setting April 8 event. Almost all dealerships are sold out, and the few remaining cars cost him more than $600 per day.
The day after the eclipse is also a big day for everyone to return home, so airport authorities are urging people departing on Tuesday to arrive early, just as they would on a busy holiday.
