Spring break travel is picking up in San Antonio, with hundreds of thousands expected to fly and many more hitting the road.
SAN ANTONIO — Spring break travel is ramping up across San Antonio as thousands of people hit the roads and head to the airport for vacation.
At the San Antonio International Airport, the first wave of travelers is already taking off. Airport officials say spring break is one of their busiest travel periods of the year.
Between last Friday and this Sunday, an estimated 328,000 passengers are expected to fly in and out of the airport. Officials say the busiest travel days during that stretch will likely be Thursday and Friday.
Security lines have moved fairly quickly so far. As of Tuesday morning, wait times were about 20 minutes for Terminal A and 10 minutes for Terminal B.
Airport staff encourage travelers to plan ahead to avoid delays. They recommend arriving three hours before an international flight and at least two hours before a domestic flight.
Passengers who plan to drive themselves to the airport should also consider parking ahead of time. Travelers can reserve parking through the airport’s website or use the Metropolis parking app to pay in advance. Those parking in the garage can scan a QR code to connect their license plate to their payment card. Travelers checking bags can also use the bag drop area located in the tunnel connecting the short-term parking garage to the terminal.
Another tip from airport officials: download your airline’s mobile app so you can quickly receive updates if anything about your flight changes.
While many travelers are flying, others are hitting the highways. The Texas Department of Public Safety says it will have additional troopers on the road through St. Patrick’s Day to help keep travelers safe.
Troopers are reminding drivers to follow basic safety rules: don’t drink and drive, don’t text behind the wheel and always buckle up. Drivers should also use the left lane only for passing and remember to slow down and move over for emergency vehicles stopped on the roadside.
DPS says troopers have already issued more than 2,400 Move Over, Slow Down violations this year.
Authorities are also asking travelers to stay alert for something less obvious: human trafficking.
DPS says busy travel periods can sometimes increase the risk of trafficking activity. Warning signs may include someone who appears to be under another person’s control, someone who seems unaware of their surroundings, a person living where they work or someone wearing clothing that doesn’t match the environment.
Anyone who sees suspicious activity can report it through the iWatchTexas mobile app.
Travelers should also make sure their vehicles are ready for long drives. DPS recommends checking that your car has been properly maintained and keeping an emergency kit in the vehicle.
Meanwhile, gas prices remain a factor for spring break drivers. According to AAA, the national average price for gas is about $3.53 per gallon. In Texas, the average is around $3.20, and in Bexar County it’s about $3.17.
Officials say prices are roughly 40 cents higher per gallon than last week, following recent geopolitical developments.
Whether traveling by plane or car, officials say the key to a smooth spring break trip is planning ahead and staying safe on the road.