Travelers met with less busy Redmond Airport on busiest travel day of the year
(Update: Adding video, comments from travelers and airport officials)
REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The busiest travel day of the year might’ve been the slowest day of the year at the Redmond municipal airport
AAA projected over 5 million Americans to fly this Thanksgiving breaking records. Records were also broken this month at the airport despite it not looking like it. The month of November saw 100,000 people flying into Redmond, October saw 110,000.
“[It's] been very calm and collected. We're seeing a lot of traveler times spread out this weekend. So, not seeing some huge rushes,” said Security Manager Jayde Hawkins.
Delays were unavoidable for travelers one man was delayed 4 hours but said he was not missing turkey day.
“My flight was delayed, coming in from Denver, and the connection in San Francisco was too tight. So now I'm on a no later flight to Los Angeles and then back to Sacramento,” said Roger Petersen.
Others are having a much easier time...
“It was really nice. No delays, just a little deicing,” said Tracy and Dwight Winter.
But the empty airport was a surprise to all travelers, “This is the wildest thing ever," said Eric Sedransk who lives in Central Oregon. "We were the only people in line, of all the airlines in the entire airport, the day before Thanksgiving. I mean, it's incredible. ”
Despite the emptiness airport officials tell travelers not to expect the same environment when they fly back.
“Even though things are running smoothly here, it may not be the same case elsewhere, so I always encourage that preparation. Checking for times, flight status, and then making sure you give yourself plenty of time to get to the airport,” Hawkins said.
The next busy day is projected to be Sunday when travelers head home. And, of course, we’ll get a small break before the holiday season ramps right back up.
