SPOKANE, Wash — With a full slate of flights in and out on what was anticipated to be one of the busiest travel days of the holiday week, many were shocked at Spokane International Airport.
However, it made for a happy holiday mainly because it just wasn't that crowded.
“Shuttle picked us up quick and no one’s here. I’m sure we’ll get through security quickly, so far it’s been chill. More chill than expected," said Olivia and Aden Cowley, who showed up early for their Vegas-bound flight expecting a rush.
"That was not the case at all," laughed Olivia.
Even at a much larger airport, like Denver where Dennis Bickel departed, it wasn't the holiday hurry expected.
“I showed up an extra hour early this morning because I was anticipating problems, right?" Bickel said. "But everything went so smooth.”
He said it was probably the easiest holiday travel he's ever experienced.
Tuesday and Wednesday are expected to be some of the busiest travel days for Thanksgiving week. Spokane's airport anticipates 73,000 passengers will go through TSA security screenings the entire week.
Nationwide, TSA estimates that 2.6 million passengers will be screened on Tuesday and slightly more (2.7 million) on Wednesday.
While Bickel said Denver's airport was full, his wait times were quick.
“I’ve had to search 20 minutes for a place to park there before, ya know? Today I pulled right in, it was all open," he said. "Checking my bag probably took five minutes. And everybody was in a good mood, all the workers and everything. I don’t know if the economy, people are just saving money or driving or staying home or whatever, but so far it’s been a really easy trip.”
For those not hitting the skyways but the highways this holiday, expect some delays on the mountain passes heading across Washington state.
WSDOT travel estimates for Snoqualmie Pass on I90 show westbound travelers will see a little congestion starting 10 am Wednesday, peaking at mid-afternoon.
Eastbound travelers will see the interstate get crowded quickly on Wednesday. For those making their way back west, the weekend looks to be slow with plenty of traffic.
Stevens Pass is expected to see the most congestion on Friday for eastbound traffic.
Though with things off to a good start for many, it leaves a lot to be thankful for.
“Hopefully we’re missing the crazy days with our bookings. Especially flying out of Vegas," the Cowleys said.
“You don’t get a lot of good experiences flying anymore, right? Everything’s a hassle," Bickel smiled.
Sunday is anticipated to be the busiest day of the holiday week; TSA estimates that 2.9 million travelers will hit the skies for return trips.
WATCH RELATED: Spokane International Airport holiday travel
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