Syracuse, N.Y. – Thanksgiving week is often the busiest travel time of the year. While airports are expecting fewer passengers due to the COVID-19 pandemic, they are still preparing the airport to make travel as safe as possible.
At Syracuse Hancock International Airport, Executive Director Jason Terreri and his team have a hospital-grade misting system, air purifiers, and social distancing signage throughout the airport. Terreri says the most important thing is making sure passengers feel safe when traveling.
“Our passenger numbers are low as travel demand has dwindled, so our focus has been instilling passenger confidence,” Terreri said. “Our numbers are going up every week, so people seem like they are comfortable flying again.”
While the airports and airlines are doing what they can to make travel safer, it is up to the passengers to make sure their journey is as safe as possible.
People who are traveling should monitor their health leading up to their travel day, then check their temperature before they leave for the airport. Packing an extra mask and making sure that any hand sanitizer you bring can go through security are also smart practices. Ultimately, COVID protocols vary from airline to airline.
“Everyone needs to check with their specific airline,” Terreri said. “Every airline has a different procedure, so make sure you understand.”
Terreri also recommends getting to the airport early even though passenger numbers are down. Due to social distancing practices at security and with boarding, those processes can take longer to ensure passenger safety.
Ultimately, Terreri is confident that the airport can take on the extra demand for holiday travel while making passenger safety a priority.
“We’re averaging about one to two thousand passengers a day, so we have the capacity to handle any incremental demand that comes,” Terreri said.
