Two of Maine’s busiest airports have seen a record-breaking number of passengers this year and are expecting even more during the holiday season.
Portland Jetport broke an all-time record with more than 2 million passes already. That is a more than 14-percent increase from last year.
Bangor International Airport also broke records with more than 533,000 passengers as of October—up 13 percent from 2017.
Both facilities are preparing for what experts are expecting to be one of the busiest holiday seasons yet for air travel.
An estimated 14 million Americans are likely to take to the skies during the Christmas and New Year’s break.
Officials at the Portland Jetport said they believe Portland's growing popularity as a place to live, work and visit has helped increase travel in and out of the city.
"I love to say it is amazing that a small metropolitan area of just over half a million people has the incredible level of air service that we have," Jetport Director, Paul Bradbury said.
Here are a few things you can do to prepare if you're traveling this holiday season:
Get there early!
Arrive at least two hours before in order to get your bags check and get through security in time.
Check in online.
Most airlines allow you to check in and print or download your boarding passes beforehand. Some even allow you to pay for your checked bags in advance.
Pack your patience.
Prepare yourself for long lines, crowds and busy parking lots. Bring something to keep yourself occupied.
Fly on off-peak days?
The least busy days are expected to be Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. If you can adjust you celebration plans, that might help alleviate the stress of all those crowds.