New York Airports Serving 1.6M for Holiday

Brace yourselves for long lines and short tempers - the Port Authority is predicting that a record number of passengers will pass through the region's three airports this week.

"It's another record travel season," Port Authority spokesman Pasquale DiFulco said. "We'll have all hands on deck."

Almost 1.6 million people, about 54,000 more than last year, are expected to arrive or depart from Kennedy, LaGuardia and Newark airports between tomorrow and Sunday - the busiest travel period of the year.

"It doesn't hurt to pack a little patience," said DiFulco, adding that he expects operations to move smoothly.

Plenty of people will be on the roads, too, as motorists from the city and Long Island are only too well aware.

More than 3.4 million people are expected to use the George Washington Bridge, the Lincoln and Holland tunnels and the three Staten Island bridges - all of which are under Port Authority jurisdiction.

Fair weather is predicted for at least the next three days, according to forecasters, which bodes well for flight schedules.

Airplane passengers, however, still will have to cope with sold-out flights and tighter security checks.

The Transportation Security Administration is touting its "3-1-1 For Carry-Ons" rule.

Travelers may take liquids or gels, such as contact lens solution or lotion, as carry-ons, but the substances must be in containers of 3 ounces or less. Containers must be in a one-quart clear, plastic, zip-top bag, and each passenger is allowed one such plastic bag as a carry-on.

Drinks such as coffee or bottled water will not be allowed through security but may be purchased in waiting areas beyond the security checkpoint and taken on board the plane.

"I think at New York airports if you can get through [security] in 20 minutes you are really fortunate," said Amy Ziff, editor-at-large of Travelocity. "Wednesday is going to have the longest lines. I am suggesting you arrive at the airport at least two hours ahead. Plan for the worst and hope for the best."

She warned that security check-in lines of 45 minutes to an hour are possible.

Airport Crowds

People arriving/departing expected tomorrow through Sunday:

Kennedy Airport: 660,000

Newark Airport: 533,000

LaGuardia Airport: 395,000

Source: Port Authority

Top five destinations from New York City regional airports:

1) South Florida (West Palm Beach, Miami, Fort Lauderdale)

2) Orlando

3) Chicago

4) Atlanta

5) Los Angeles

Source: Travelocity

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