UPDATE: The post-Thanksgiving travel rush is hitting Florida hard, with Miami International Airport (MIA) and Palm Beach International Airport (PBIA) overwhelmed by a surge of travelers today, November 24, 2023. The Federal Aviation Administration estimates that over 55 million Americans are traveling during this holiday period, marking one of the busiest seasons in years.
At MIA, long security lines have formed, snaking through the terminal as travelers scramble to return home after the holiday festivities. Camille Juban, who spent Thanksgiving in Florida before heading to her home in Guadeloupe, shared her experience, stating, “I live in Guadeloupe, so I was spending the night here yesterday and I’m taking Air France now to go to Guadeloupe.”
Simultaneously, PBIA faced its own challenges with parking. At approximately 1:33 p.m., officials announced that all parking lots were full, urging travelers to seek alternatives like taxis, Palm Tran bus service, and rideshares. It wasn’t until 4:00 p.m. that parking spaces began to reopen as incoming flights offloaded passengers, alleviating some congestion.
Travelers like Gina Guilford, who celebrated Thanksgiving in Miami before heading to Gainesville, Florida, expressed the emotional weight of the travel rush. “I had Thanksgiving with my mom and my whole family, it was wonderful. Then up bright and early to visit my son and daughter-in-law,” Guilford recounted.
The situation at both airports is expected to worsen as the weekend progresses. Authorities predict that Sunday will see over 3.7 million passengers taking to the skies nationwide, potentially breaking records for holiday travel.
As many travelers experience delays and crowded conditions, officials continue to monitor the situation closely. With the holiday season in full swing, travelers are encouraged to arrive early, stay informed about flight statuses, and remain patient amid the hustle and bustle of one of the busiest travel weekends of the year.
