Getting ready to travel by plane this holiday season? Roughly 8 million people nationwide are, too.

The Colorado Springs Airport is anticipating a similar travel rush to last year. Still, airport officials are asking people to arrive earlier and be mindful of what they pack before traveling.

“We predict that, (between) 12/20/25-1/5/26, we will have roughly 125,000 passengers,” said Amanda Rantis, a public communications specialist with the airport. “We recommend that travelers allow extra time during the holidays, aiming for 1.5 to 2 hours before their scheduled departure.”

The airport anticipates the busiest travel days will be Friday, Saturday and Dec. 26.

Though not full on Thursday, parking lots at the airport are likely to be full as holiday travel enters full swing. Officials at the airport are anticipating needing overflow lots, as they did last year during Thanksgiving when the long-term lot was completely full. Predicting the overall traffic and parking volume is tough, Rantis said, adding that Thanksgiving is usually the busier holiday for the airport.

Regardless, travelers are asked to read and follow the airport’s posted signage, including the electronic message boards. The airport’s social media accounts will also share information as the holidays progress.

One spot of good news for travelers at the airport? Discounted parking rates. Between Monday and Dec. 27, travelers can take 50% off in long-term and overflow parking lots. Expect to pay $4 per day during the promotion.

If a traveler’s stay goes past the promotional period, the regular rate will only apply to dates not covered by the promotion.

NATIONAL OUTLOOK

Nationally, it will be a busy travel weekend.

Whether by air, car or another mode, travel agency AAA is preparing for 122.4 million travelers. This is a 2.2% increase over last year, surpassing its record 119.7 million travelers, according to a news release from AAA.

A majority will travel by car, according to the agency, but roughly 8 million will travel by air, a 2.3% increase over last year.

In Denver, the airport is coming off one of its busiest holidays ever. Through the Thanksgiving holiday, Denver International Airport expected 845,000 passengers, 10% more than it saw last year. Passengers are encouraged to arrive inside the airport at least two hours before their boarding time, according to coverage from The Denver Gazette.

2025 IN COLORADO SPRINGS

The Colorado Springs Airport has been busy this year. Since June, every month except for one saw increased passenger volume compared to 2024. In October, the latest data available, 223,870 people came through the airport, a 6.5% increase over last year.

Year to date, more than 2.06 million people have passed through the airport. This is slightly behind the same time last year, when 2.07 million people came through the airport.

The airport also recently launched its “FlyMyAirport” section on its website. The tool allows passengers to search for flights, compare costs and explore destinations. Airport officials tout it as a “seamless and efficient way to plan and book flights from COS to anywhere in the world.”

Because of the anticipated holiday rush, travelers are advised to check the Transportation Security Administration’s website for information on what they can and cannot bring through security.

“The Colorado Springs Airport is bustling with holiday cheer, live festive music and smooth security lines. Just remember if you’re bringing gifts for your loved ones, TSA recommends opting for a gift bag or leaving them unwrapped in your checked bag,” Rantis said.