Montgomery, AL – As the Thanksgiving travel surge approaches, Montgomery Regional Airport (MGM) is gearing up to ensure a seamless experience for passengers heading home or embarking on holiday visits. With more families flying and schedules packed during the week of Monday, November 24, MGM is sharing its top service reminders and tips to make the journey smoother.
“We’re ready to welcome travelers from across our region and beyond this holiday week and weekend,” said Brittney Jones-Dabney, Communications & Marketing Manager at MGM. “Our goal is to keep things stress-free, so that families can focus on time together—not logistics.”
What travelers can expect of MGM:
- Increased travel volumes, especially during early morning and midday departure banks.
- Additional staff support to assist with check-in, ticketing, and on-site customer questions.
- Clear directional signage and updated information screens to help departing passengers and arriving guests.
- Communication via social channels, website, and airport monitors to keep travelers informed of any updates.
Top Tips for Thanksgiving Travel at MGM:
- Arrive early. We recommend arriving at least 90-minutes before your scheduled departure, especially if you are checking bags, traveling with children, or picking someone up.
- Pack smart for the holiday. If gifting items or bringing catered items for your holiday meal, remember to keep most items away from carry-on bags in security screening—wrap gifts after you’ve passed through.
- Track your arrival or departure. For friends and family picking someone up, check real-time flight status before arriving, and consider parking in the terminal short-term lot for a quicker meet-and-greet.
- Stay informed. Follow MGM’s official social media channels and check flight status frequently—weather or operational changes can happen during busy travel times.
Prepare for TSA Screening
To speed up the security process:
- Keep IDs and boarding passes easily accessible.
- Follow TSA’s 3-1-1 liquids rule.
- Remove large electronics and food items if prompted.
- Avoid wrapping gifts before travel, as TSA may need to inspect them.
- Consider enrolling in TSA PreCheck for expedited screening.
Pack With the Holidays in Mind
Travelers bringing holiday dishes, desserts, or gifts should remember:
- Solid foods are allowed through security.
- Liquids, sauces, and gels over 3.4 ounces must be placed in your checked luggage.
- Wrapped gifts may need to be opened during screening—wrap after arriving.
Track Your Flight
Weather and nationwide holiday congestion may impact schedules. Passengers should:
- Stay updated through airline apps or flymgm.com.
- Check flight status before leaving home.
- For pickups, use the terminal’s short-term parking lot for easier curbside flow.
Have Your Star ID Ready for Future Travel
MGM continues to encourage travelers to obtain a Star ID ahead of the May 2025 federal enforcement deadline.
“We want everyone flying through MGM this holiday week to enjoy the journey as much as the destination,” added Jones-Dabney. “A little preparation goes a long way, and our team is committed to helping passengers enjoy a smooth start to their holiday celebrations.”
For more information, visit www.flymgm.com.
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