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West Michigan Preps For Spring Break Travel

In just about a week a lot of folks will be heading out for spring break travel.  WGVU talks with a local travel agent who offers some friendly travel reminders.

“Spring break is different than holiday traffic.  Spring break travel in West Michigan is the busiest time at the airport, busier than any other time of the year.”

March madness is not only on the court… it might be at your local airport as we head into spring break with many folks leaving soon.  JoAnne Verboom with Gagnon Travel offers advice you may have heard before, but bears repeating.

“Even though our airport is smaller, the staff at the Grand Rapids Airport is recommending passengers arrive a minimum of two hours prior to their flights.  If you’re traveling anytime between March 31st and April 11th, you will be running into spring break traffic.”

If by chance you end up running late, Verboom also has some advice about parking and why it’s definitely worth it to arrive early.

“If you’re pressed for time,  it’s imperative you get through security; use valet if you have to.  If you miss your flight, the chance of finding another flight that has room for you and your family is going to be pretty slim.”

Finally, if you choose to drive, say to a popular Florida destination… check out your route beforehand as there may be construction of your route of choice.  Also, be prepared for plenty of tolls.

“Many of the toll booths are not manned and they don't take cash.  So you need to be conscientious about how you're going to be paying for those tolls.”

Back to the airport… if you do arrive early, the Gerald R. Airport is hosting it’s Passenger Appreciation Days March 31st thru April 2nd.   Once past security there will be food, giveaways and games to keep the kids busy until take off. 

Jennifer is an award winning broadcast news journalist with more than two decades of professional television news experience including the nation's fifth largest news market. She's worked as both news reporter and news anchor for television and radio in markets from Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo all the way to San Francisco, California.