DOT: If You’re Flying For the Fourth, Get to The Airport Early

If you are flying anywhere during the Fourth of July weekend, make sure you get to the airport early.

The state Department of Transportation advises anyone traveling out of Hawai‘i’s five major airports in Honolulu, Kahului, Lihue, Kona or Hilo to arrive early, especially if traveling between the peak hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Long lines at security checkpoints already have been observed at airports, and passenger volume during the Labor Day and Memorial Day weekends equaled or exceeded pre-pandemic numbers.

With the Fourth of July falling on Monday, the DOT recommends those catching a flight to arrive at the airport at least three hours in advance. Major airlines agreed to make sure ticket counters are open at least three hours before scheduled flights during the busy summer season.

Other recommendations for summer travel include:

• Catch a ride to the airport. Public parking is usually in short supply during the summer travel season. Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport has 1,450 stalls available. Hilo International Airport has 475 stalls. For more information about the Kona airport’s public parking, click here. For more about the Hilo airport’s parking situation, click here.
• Masking is optional, but the CDC recommends it. Use of a covering over your nose and mouth is no longer required in indoor public transportation hubs, but the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends this practice based on available data.
• Review TSA’s videos on preparing carry-ons and other tips. The Transportation Security Administration created a series of videos to help travelers before they go through security checkpoints. Click here for a collection and link to additional TSA resources.

The DOT thanks travelers for their patience during the busy summer season. A hui hou to all those departing from the state’s airports.