TIA, Travelers, Give Tips For Dealing With Holiday Travel

More than 2.5 million people are expected to fly this holiday weekend, a major test for the TSA.

Passengers have been waiting in long lines at airports across the nation. Between Friday and Tuesday, about 45,000 travelers are expected to arrive and depart from Tulsa International Airport.

Some we spoke with said they didn't get to the airport much earlier than they usually would.

Tracye Caughell was heading to New York City for her daughter's birthday but planned ahead for a potential holiday rush.

"I gave myself an extra about 45 minutes," she said.

As it turns out, she may not have needed the extra time.

"Well this looks great, I mean the lines are really low, it looks like everything's moving quickly here,” she said.

While some travelers aren't having to put up with long lines, people like Dan Goodman and Ian Johnson are dealing with delays.

"Well, we luckily got the notification on our phones being like 'hey, you're not getting out on time’ so we decided to take it easy, get an extra coffee in, and now we're, I guess a little early. But it looks like the airport's pretty empty, so it'll just be a nice breeze through," Goodman said.

The two DJs were in Tulsa to perform and are now heading back to L.A. They said they do a lot of traveling and have some advice for people this holiday weekend.

"Never check a bag. Never, never, check a bag,” they said. “That's a Memorial Day tip right there - never check a bag. Keep it to yourself."

Despite long lines at airports across the country, Tulsa International suggests travelers show up about 90 minutes before take-off for domestic flights, and two hours for international flights. Customers flying with Allegiant Air are asked to show up two hours before their flight.

Tulsa International Airport spokesperson Alexis Higgins said 90 minutes is normal for peak travel periods, and for travelers unfamiliar with the travel process. She said one hour is more appropriate for business travelers.

Higgins said airport officials, along with airlines and the TSA, met this week to discuss peak holiday travel.

She said the busiest time at the TIA is in the mornings, with 39 percent of passengers departing before 9 a.m. Higgins said there is another rush from 4-6 p.m.