BANGOR, Maine — On the day before Thanksgiving, hundreds of Mainers funneled in and out of the Bangor International Airport ready for the holiday season.
"We're taking off first to Kennedy and then Barcelona," John Sydell said.
"We're going to Tennessee to celebrate with family," Gia Grange told NEWS CENTER Maine.
"Our flights [are] for Houston, Texas, that's where our kids are," Thomas Straza said.
Marketing and Business Development Manager for the Bangor Airport Aimme Thibodeau says there are over 20 flights arriving and departing today, totaling more than 1,000 passengers.
"All of our airlines are busy today; flights are mostly fully booked. We're seeing those numbers continue to increase over last year." With an increase in foot traffic, Thibodeau says also comes some long wait times than typical. "Bangor might be small, but especially during these peak travel seasons and times, make sure you're here a couple of hours early in case there's a snag along the line."
Assistant Airport Director for Portland Jetport Zach Sundquist says they're also seeing an increase in traffic and expect it to only continue as Christmas and other holidays get closer.
"This week, we've been experiencing five to 6,000 passengers a day, and we're seeing about 17 percent more seats in market this year," Sundquist explained.
More people and planes can create extra work during peak travel days, but Sundquist says a lot of the effort comes from preparing for the increase.
"There's definitely a little more preparation. Getting the tarmac ready for more flights and moving more people to their gates," Sundquist said.
While they say it can be stressful, officials from both airports say it's a good thing to know they're helping make sure passengers will be able to spend the holidays with their families.
James Matarazzo, was coming into Bangor to see his kids and other family.
"Thanksgiving is one of the oldest traditions, and family is what it's all about," Matarazzo said.
If you or anyone you know are flying in Maine for the holidays, you can check flight statuses at flybangor.com or portlandjetport.org.