America/New_York

CAE Shares Summer Air Travel Preparedness Tips

With the official start of summer kicking off today, the Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE hereafter) is sharing useful air travel tips to ensure its passengers have an easy travel experience from start to finish for their next flight.

“In May, CAE saw roughly 101,000 passengers through the airport,” said Director of Marketing & Air Service Development, Kim Crafton. “By way of comparison, in May of 2021, we saw roughly 82,000 passengers. This increase of roughly 31% is not only a sign that air travel is back and thriving, but something locals should consider when getting ready to fly out.”

With travel restrictions loosening globally, more and more individuals are taking advantage of flying to destinations – both domestic and international – for their summer vacations. And that means increased passenger traffic at airports everywhere.

In an effort to prepare the Columbia community who will soon be taking to the skies for their next trip, CAE wants to share a few air travel tips to ensure everyone…flies with ease.

  • Pre-book Parking: By pre-booking parking, most passengers will see a savings on the daily rate on extended stays. To pre-book, simply visit www.flycae.com/airport/parking .
  • Check Flight Status: By downloading the app of the carrier of choice, passengers are able to get regular and real-time notifications regarding their flight. Passengers are also encouraged to check CAE’s website for flight status as another resource. That information can be found by visiting, www.flycae.com/flight-information .
  • Arrive Early: Arriving two hours early for your flight will ensure that you’re waiting at the gate, and not in the TSA security line.
  • Get TSA Pre-Check or Global Entry: This five-year membership is acquired through an application process and allows you to keep shoes on, laptops in your bag, belts and jackets on and ensure an expedited security screening process. Traveling internationally regularly? Global Entry includes Pre-Check and can be obtained through a similar application process.
  • Double Check Your Bags: Before arriving to the airport, fully examine all carry-on bags to ensure no illegal items are inside. These items – firearms, restricted TSA objects or materials, etc. – will certainly hold up passengers in the security line and may keep an individual from flying. (Firearms are NOT allowed in carry-on baggage and must be properly stored in checked bags. Firearms found at the TSA security check point will be confiscated and fines may be issued).
  • Pack Your Patience: With the start of summer travel comes more passengers in the airport, long lines, delays, missed connections and some cancellations due to staffing shortages or inclement weather. CAE encourages everyone to pack some patience and know that many people are working behind the scenes to ensure as few disruptions as possible.

“CAE’s number one priority has always been its passengers,” said Executive Director, Mike Gula. “We look forward to making this summer’s travel experience as convenient and easy as possible.”