With many flying for Thanksgiving, here are some tips to make your trip hassle-free

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Hawaii averaged around 34,000 transpacific travelers a day last weekend. Last weekend, the state saw around 24,000 passengers.

The increase in travelers is due to relaxed restrictions and an increase in vaccinations.

“This is our first trip out of the state since the pandemic. We are ready to get back into flight. We decided to fly on the busiest day of the year, everything is full – the plane is full, there is no more space, ”said Peter Maskell, an Oahu resident traveling to the mainland.

“I’m going to Vegas, we’re doing the Thanksgiving thing with my family. It’s been a couple of years so we’re kind of excited. We have some high risk people so we’ve been very careful, that’s the main thing, ”said Kathy Takahashi.

As more and more passengers fly to Hawaii, TSA recommends getting to the airport at least two hours before your flight and allowing more time to spend on vacation.

Officials also provided the following tips to facilitate your travel experience:

• Try to weigh your checked baggage prior to your arrival. Most airlines charge additional fees if your bag is heavier than 50 pounds.
• Having your ID and ticket ready when you check in helps with the TSA verification process.
• And liquids in hand luggage cannot exceed 3.4 ounces.

Meanwhile, the state’s Safe Travels program is still in place. This means that travelers have to upload a vaccination card or a negative COVID test at least 72 hours before the last leg of their trip.

Residents flying back to Hawaii can also upload their documents to Safe Travels early to receive a wristband for their flight and skip the verification process upon arrival.

If you are not vaccinated and have not taken a COVID test, you will need to be quarantined on arrival.

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