CASCADES TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD) – Thursday will be one of the busiest spring break days at Gerald R. Ford International Airport as people depart for spring break this weekend.
The airport's Heidi Gruenboom said this year's travel season is 16% higher than last year. About 16,000 passengers are expected on Thursday, with about 200,000 expected to arrive over the next 10 days. He said the airport is fully staffed and ready to handle the increased traffic.
“We always recommend arriving two hours before your scheduled departure time to find parking, drop off your bags, go through security, find your gate, and grab a snack or coffee, as recommended by the TSA. before we leave,” Groenboom said.
Passengers are heading to all over the world this spring break, but AAA says the most popular destination is Florida.
Janelle and Jason Pearson are headed to Florida to visit family. They seem to go on a trip every year.
“It's just relaxing. That's why everyone gets out of the chaos of the workplace and enjoys each other and their families. I think that's the most important thing,” Janelle Pearson said.
Kathryn Marks and her family are moving in the opposite direction. They say they are heading to Hawaii and are looking forward to spending time with family.
“Just spending time together, relaxing and slowing down and being together. School and work are always go, go, go. So now we get to be together.” Marks said.
The airport is expected to be crowded until April 8th.
On Friday, the airport will hold its annual Passenger Appreciation Day. There will also be a live band, costumed characters for kids, and therapy dogs to ease the stress of travel.
