Travelers are already filling airports ahead of the Fourth of July holiday, with many getting an early start on their plans to spend time with family and friends.
Local Travelers Share Their Stories
Hudson Bradley and his sister, Abby, were excited to see their grandparents. Rita Kent-Rea was traveling back to Amarillo to celebrate a family milestone. Leann Moore was heading back to Boston after a trip to her hometown.
Susan Rode, who was traveling with her husband and toddler, Atlas, said the journey had gone smoothly. Airport Director Larry Blackwell said most outbound flights on Thursday and Friday are nearly full, with only a handful of seats still available.
Airport Expectations
The airport has added new routes over the past year, and Blackwell expects passenger totals for the 2026 Independence Day travel period to surpass those from the same holiday weekend in 2025. The increase in travelers mirrors the national trend, with more than 8 million people expected to fly during the Independence Day travel period.
Sydney King, who was traveling to Florida with her husband to visit their second home near the beach, said holiday travel is typically a positive experience. Blackwell said travelers flying through the airport can expect a smooth experience despite the increased holiday crowds.
Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.
