“We expect 2024 will be another milestone year for air travel,” Weber said. “We will mark our busiest
year in Appleton with an anticipated 948,000 arrivals and departures by the end of this year and next
year looks even busier.”
According to the Airports Council International, 2024 is expected to be a milestone for global passenger
traffic recovery as it reaches 9.4 billion passengers. For the start of the 2024 holiday travel season,
Transportation Safety Administration (TSA) forecasts show a 12% increase in traffic through Appleton
International Airport Sunday to Sunday (eight days) of Thanksgiving week:
● Sunday-Sunday 2023: 12,967 outbound passengers
● Sunday-Sunday 2022: 11,416 outbound passengers
According to the American Automobile Association (AAA) 4.7 million people will fly over Thanksgiving
nationally, an increase of 6.6% over 2022 and the highest number of Thanksgiving air travelers since
2005. Increased traffic has airline and airport officials urging travelers to plan ahead and pack their
patience. Some tips from the experts at Appleton International Airport:
● “If possible, fly in off-peak periods,” said Jesse Funk, business development manager for the
Appleton airport. “The least crowded day to travel is actually Thanksgiving Day itself.”
● When looking at Christmas, December 22
nd
and 23
rd
will be the heaviest travel days throughout
the country.
● Funk also recommends limiting your luggage to carry on items and traveling as light as possible.
● Downloading the airline’s mobile apps ensures you have updated information on flight status
and flexibility if you need to re-book.
● If you haven’t already done so, TSA PreCheck takes the hassle out of going through airport
security. PreCheck passengers have shorter security waits and use dedicated security lines. TSA
PreCheck requires a $78 fee and is available at the Appleton airport.
Looking ahead to high demand travel periods is imperative for smart travelers, according to Funk. Fares
are expected to climb for spring and summer as traveler demand increases as does the cost of doing
business.
“Airlines are already bracing for increased fares in 2024,” Funk said. “Globally demand is outstripping
supply and operational costs are rising.” If you’re planning to use travel points for a vacation, the time to
book is now to ensure you have the flight dates and times that fit your family’s schedule.
###
About Appleton International Airport
Appleton International Airport connects our community to the world through American Airlines, Delta Air Lines,
United Airlines, and Allegiant Air. In addition to offering nonstop service to 15 destinations, Appleton Airport
connects to six major international airport hubs from which travelers can fly to almost anywhere in the world.
Using Appleton Airport, travelers can safely and more conveniently get to their destination and home again, leaving
them more time for what really matters. Appleton International Airport is the third largest airport in Wisconsin
according to arrivals and departures. Visit atwairport.com to learn more.