100,000 passengers are expected to travel through the Gerald R. Ford International Airport this week, from Sunday to Sunday.
“This is tracking about 12% above our 2023 Fourth of July travel level, which 2023 was a record-breaking year for us.”
Marketing and Communications Manager Haley Abbas says top destinations this week include Orlando, Nashville, Clearwater and Washington DC.
Underway at the airport are $600 million in capital expansion projects to support West Michigan as the fastest growing region in the state.
Abbas says passengers should arrive at least two hours before flight time to allow extra time for parking and unexpected holiday delays.
Construction is ongoing at the airport; ground was recently broken on the $135 million Terminal Enhancement Project.
It will expand the front of the terminal by 175,000 square feet.
“We are able to then consolidate all of those ticketing counters and we’re able to add in some more baggage claim carousels.”
She reminds summer travelers liquids are restricted to 3.4-ounce containers, noting top items left at checkpoints now are bottles of sunscreen, tanning lotion, aloe vera gel and liquid makeup.
“Of course with the Fourth of July holiday this week, be sure to leave all those fireworks at home or wait until you get to your destination to purchase those because TSA does not allow those through the checkpoint.”