CLEVELAND — We’re in the midst of the busy holiday travel season – and Cleveland Hopkins International Airport has some important advice before you catch your upcoming flight.
How busy will it be?
CLE says 500,000 passengers are expected during the 19-day travel period from Dec. 15 through Jan. 2. That’s up 20% over last year’s numbers and 10% higher when compared to pre-COVID travel in 2019.
When are the busiest times at the airport?
Cleveland Hopkins says their peak activity for the holidays is as follows:
- 5-9 a.m.
- 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
- 4-6 p.m.
How early do I really need to arrive at the airport?
“Airport officials encourage travelers to arrive at least two hours before scheduled departures to allow time for inclement weather, traffic, parking, checking-in and going through security checkpoints,” according to CLE. “Travelers should look for signs, Gold Coat Ambassadors and Landside Operation employees in blue for assistance.”
What are the wait times like right now?
You can check the status of TSA wait times on the airport’s site HERE.
Is my flight on time?
It’s always important to check the status of your flight. You can do that HERE.
What are the parking options at CLE and how much does it cost?
- CLE curbside valet: $35 per day
- The smart parking garage: $22 per day
- The red lot: $20 per day
- The blue lot: $20 per day
- The orange lot: $17 per day
- The brown lot: $14 per day
More help with parking at CLE.
What about picking up friends and family at Cleveland Hopkins Airport?
“Don’t circle the airport waiting for the call they have arrived,” according to CLE. “Park and wait in the either of our two CLE Cell Phone Lots.”
One is located off Route 237 South or can be accessed by Jackson Road, which is now a two-way street. The second lot is at the back of the Sheraton off of Hotel Road – but this location is only available for those picking up guests through the Jan. 2.
“Both lots are for temporary idling or stopping and NOT for parking. Follow the blue directional signs to easily locate these lots.”
RTA Red Line to CLE
If you’re heading to the airport from downtown, the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority offers service to CLE via the Red Line at the Tower City Station.
“The trip takes less than 30 minutes and trains depart from CLE every 25 minutes for the majority of the day,” CLE officials said.
TSA tips: How you can get through security smoothly
First… Always have a government-issued ID ready to present at the airline ticket counter and security checkpoint.
CLE says travelers should be prepared for the screening process by following these tips:
- Arrive at the airport two hours before your scheduled flight. More people are traveling this time of year and you'll need more time.
- Know what is in your carry-on bags and checked bags. Do not bring any prohibited items with you. Don't know if an item is allowed or prohibited? Here's how to find out:
- Send a tweet to @AskTSA
- Ask us via Facebook Messenger: http://www.tsa.gov/ has a feature in the upper right-hand corner of the homepage: Can I bring my? Click there and type in the item.
- Download the free myTSA app, which has the same "Can I bring my?" feature.
- Many people travel with food during the holidays. Foods like cakes, pies and cookies are allowed through a checkpoint, but may be subject to additional screening. However, spreadable and pourable food items must go in checked bags (maple syrup, jams, jellies, preserves). Not sure? See the 2nd bullet point above on how to ask TSA.
- Snow globes that are 3.4 ounces or smaller and fit into the 3-1-1 bag can go in a carry-on bag. If it's larger, pack it in a checked bag. Not sure? The basic rule of thumb is that if the snow globe is larger than a tennis ball, then it should go into a checked bag.
- It's a good idea not to wrap gifts using tape. If the gift triggers an alarm, TSA will need to open it to find out what the item is to ensure it is not a prohibited item. Instead, it is recommended that you:
- Use a gift bag or unsealed gift box
- Wrap the gift upon arrival
Holiday cheer at CLE
Since travel can be stressful, CLE is also spreading holiday cheer in a couple of ways.
There’s a vendor event at the airport’s food court from Dec. 20-21 between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. that features local vendors for travelers to grab last-minute gifts for friends and family.
Also…
“Back by popular demand, CLE and American Greetings have teamed up to provide free gift wrapping to guests.”
You’ll find this option in the food court from Dec. 20-21 between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Christmas carolers will also be singing in the terminal from 7-10 a.m. between Dec. 20-22.