Community Corner

O.C. Airport Urges Travelers to be Alert During Thanksgiving Rush

John Wayne Airport is managing larger than normal crowds for the Thanksgiving holiday.

If you are spending Thanksgiving out of town and traveling through Orange County's John Wayne Airport to get to or from your holiday destination, officials are recommending some tips to follow for the nation's most heavily traveled holiday period.

According to JWA, passengers using the airport between today and Monday, Dec. 2 should expect higher-than-normal crowds. A variety of tips have been provided to make traveling through the airport as easy as possible. Along with the travel suggestions, JWA is also encouraging travelers to be aware of their surroundings while at the airport and to report questionable objects or activities. 

"A giant red backpack will be on display in the Riley Terminal throughout the holidays to remind passengers and visitors, if you see something, say something," Jenny Wedge, airport spokeswoman, said in a released statement."

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Travel Tips

  • Parking: Drivers picking up passengers at the Airport are encouraged to utilize 2-hour parking spaces, located on the lower level of Parking Structures A1, B2 and C.
  • Carry-on: Passengers are allowed one small carry-on bag plus one personal item as long as the carry-on bag fits airline dimensions. Check with your individual airline for specifics.
  • Parking Options at JWA: Curbside Valet Parking for $30 per day, is located on the Departure (upper) Level between Terminals A and B, or in front of Terminal C. Parking Structures A1, A2, B2 and C are located adjacent to and directly across from the Riley Terminal at a rate of $20 per day and $2 per hour with the first 15 minutes being free for those dropping off and picking up passengers. Access to terminal parking structures is available from the Departure (upper) Level only.
  • Off-site Main Street Parking Lot located at 1512 Main St., Irvine for $14 per day with free shuttle service to/from the Terminal every 15 minutes.
  • For parking availability call 949.252.5200 or for directions to JWA, visit: ocair.com/parking/rates.aspx.
  • TSA Travel Tips: Review Transportation Security Administration Travel Tips to become familiar with what items are prohibited, including the 3-1-1 rule for liquids in carry-ons.
  • Traveling Abroad: International travelers should check the U.S. Customs & Border Protection website to ensure they have appropriate documentation for traveling to and from the United States. Visit cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/vacation/ to learn more. Passengers who are members of the Global Entry Trusted Traveler Program will be able to expedite their Customs clearance into the U.S. at John Wayne Airport. Those passengers traveling to and from Canada will clear Customs in Canada before returning to the United States.

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