Here’s what you need to know ahead of busy travel weekend at Charlotte Douglas

CHARLOTTE — The Charlotte Douglas International Airport is preparing for one of its busiest travel weekends since the pandemic began in early 2020.

Airport officials are recommending travelers arrive at least two hours before domestic flights and three hours ahead of international trips. They’re forecasting long lines, crowds and limited parking.

Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Tuesday were noted as the days that are likely to be busiest.

TSA is expecting surges in the security lines and warning it may take longer than normal to get through.

As of 4:45 p.m. Friday, 26 flights had been canceled and 328 were delayed.

On Thursday, 31 flights were canceled and more than 230 were delayed, according to FlightAware data. All but one of the cancellations were American Airlines flights.

American and Delta airlines passengers should be particularly aware this weekend. More than 90% of flights at Charlotte Douglas belong to American Airlines and they’ve seen delays and cancellations for more than a week straight.

Delta could also have disruptions as off-duty pilots plan to picket at major airports in Detroit, Minneapolis, Atlanta, Los Angeles and more. They’re asking for better pay and job protection.

The airline said it won’t interrupt travel, but customers are being allowed to rebook their flights without having to pay fees or fare differences.

One passenger said she’s been checking every app that she can -- between the airline, the weather app, and the airport’s -- just to make sure she’s up to speed with the latest.

“Nervous. Hopefully no delays, no cancellations, that the crew shows up, and we can get on our way without any delays,” passenger Alexandra Inge said.

Parking is also an expected problem at Charlotte Douglas all weekend.

The airport said the north and east daily lots are already full along with the long term one parking lot.

Here’s what drivers need to know

As the Fourth of July holiday weekend kicks off for many, AAA Carolinas predicts millions of drivers will be on the road.

As travelers prepare to hit the roads, AAA said gas prices are down nearly a dime since last week. It said lower oil prices and the fear of a potential recession are helping and it expects the trend to continue over the next few days.

As of Friday afternoon, Charlotte’s gas prices is slightly higher than the state average at $4.50 a gallon. It’s $4.35 in South Carolina and the national average is $4.84 a gallon.

With lot of people on the roads, AAA also said it wants to make sure drunk drivers aren’t. AAA is offering its Tow To Go program again this year.

Starting at 6 p.m. Friday, impaired drivers can call 855-2-TOW-2-GO. A tow truck will pick them up and take them to a safe location within a 10 minute dive. The service is only available in Charlotte.

(WATCH BELOW: ‘I was scared’: Passengers evacuated onto tarmac at Charlotte Douglas when cabin fills with smoke)

‘I was scared’: Passengers evacuated onto tarmac at Charlotte Douglas when cabin fills with smoke

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