CLEVELAND — The busiest travel days of the year are upon us with officials at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport saying more than 300,000 people are expected to come through CLE during the Thanksgiving holiday period from Nov. 22 through Dec. 1.
“Additional staff will be assigned during the heavy travel periods including customer service personnel, law enforcement personnel including Cleveland Police Airport Unit, Federal law enforcement agencies and custodial and maintenance staff,” according to a press release from the airport.
So before you head to the airport to catch your flight, here are some important travel tips you need to keep in mind…
TSA CHECKPOINTS
To accommodate the increased number of travelers, TSA has adjusted their checkpoint opening hours for the early morning rush now through Dec. 2.
- South checkpoint: Opens at 3:15 a.m.
- North checkpoint: Opens at 3:45 a.m.
- Central checkpoint: Opens at 3:45 a.m.
EXTRA TIME NEEDED
“Airport officials encourage travelers to arrive at least two hours before scheduled departures to allow time for inclement weather, traffic, parking, checking-in and going through the checkpoints,” according to CLE.
SECURITY REMINDERS
Make sure you have your government-issued ID ready to present at the airline ticket counter and security checkpoint.
CLE is also offering these reminders when it comes to the screening process:
- Be sure to look through your luggage to ensure no prohibited items are in the bag.
- All three CLE checkpoints have Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) machines for passenger screening. Metal detectors and X-ray machines for carry-on items are also in place for passenger screening.
- Remember the TSA 3-1-1 rule for carry-on items: Three ounces per container, in a clear one-quart bag, one per passenger.
- Knives, scissors with pointed tips, pepper spray and other such items are prohibited as carry-on items. For a comprehensive list of banned and permitted items, visit the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) website at www.tsa.gov.
- Carry-on luggage is typically restricted to one bag and one personal item per person. A personal item includes a purse, briefcase, or laptop bag. Keep in mind that all airlines have different policies, please check with your airline to make sure you know their policy.
- Outer coats, jackets and other such outer garments must be removed and put through X-ray screening.
- Children under the age of 12 will not have to remove their shoes before going through security.
FLIGHT STATUS
You can check updates on your flight status, checkpoint wait times and parking updates HERE.
PARKING
You can reserve a parking spot 24 hours in advance at CLE’s Smart Parking Garage by clicking HERE.
Other parking options include:
- CLE Curbside Valet: $35 per day
- Smart Parking Garage: $23 per day
- Red Lot: $21 per day
- Blue Lot: $21 per day
- Orange Lot: $18 per day
- Brown Lot: $16 per day
PICKING UP YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY
If you’re picking up anybody arriving at CLE, the airport has a Cell Phone Lot off Route 237 South, which can be accessed by Jackson Road.
“This lot is for temporary idling or stopping and NOT for parking,” according to airport officials. “Follow the blue directional signs to easily locate this lot.”
RTA REDLINE
Don't want to park at the airport? You can hop aboard the RTA Red Line, which provides regular service between downtown Cleveland and the airport from the Tower City Station.
“The trip takes less than 30 minutes, and trains depart from CLE every 15 minutes for the majority of the day,” according to a press release.
You can find more details HERE.
