Port Authority to Handle Record Travelers Thanksgiving Weekend

On Nov 20, 2018

Approximately six million travelers – including a record number of passengers using the Port Authority’s four major airports – are projected to use the agency’s transportation facilities during the five-day Thanksgiving holiday weekend. The agency is putting measures in place to accommodate the anticipated record travel volume.

The Port Authority will provide a full complement of staff — customer service representatives at its major airports and police officers at all facilities and toll collectors at its tunnels and bridges to make the holiday trip as smooth as possible.

Air Travel

During the Thanksgiving holiday weekend – from Wednesday, November 21 through Sunday, November 25 – approximately 1.7 million passengers will travel through John F. Kennedy International, Newark Liberty International, LaGuardia and Stewart International airports. This total is approximately 55,000 more passengers than traveled during Thanksgiving weekend last year. Due to the record volume of air travel, the agency is encouraging travelers to allow extra time to get to its airports and check with carriers for flight status prior to arriving. The agency also encourages the use of mass transit to get to the airports, including AirTrain JFK and AirTrain Newark, given limited parking availability.

About 737,500 passengers will use John F. Kennedy International, 555,500 will use Newark Liberty International, 385,200 are expected at LaGuardia Airport, and 9,400 passengers are expected at Stewart International Airport during the holiday period.

In addition to a full complement of customer service representatives, the Port Authority will assist air travelers at its airport Welcome Centers, which are located on the arrivals level of every terminal and provide information about ground transportation, hotels and other useful travel tips. Airport customers can also find helpful features on the agency’s website at www.panynj.gov/airports, where they can check flight status and other airport-related services.

The Port Authority is providing parking discounts at two parking facilities at JFK Airport during the holiday weekend – the Red Garage and the Orange Garage.  At the Orange Garage, travelers can receive $10 off the regular full day rate of $35.  At the Red Garage, travelers can receive $15 off the regular full day rate of $35.  Customers interested in taking advantage of either discount must print out a coupon found at www.jfkairport.com.

At LaGuardia Airport, the Port Authority and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority will offer free LaGuardia Link Q70 buses from 12:01 a.m. Monday, November 19 through 11:59 p.m. on Monday, November 26.  The service is designed to encourage travelers to use mass transit to and from the airport during the weekend.

LaGuardia Airport has parking available convenient to all terminals including the new Terminal B garage located outside Terminal B. Additional information and directions to all LaGuardia parking lots can be found on the airport’s website www.laguardiaairport.com.   For travel tips at LaGuardia Airport, visit www.laguardiaairport.com/traveladvisories.

Parking at Newark Liberty International Airport is expected to be limited during the holiday weekend.  Travelers should plan ahead by visiting www.newarkairport.com to check availability or to reserve a space, or to obtain coupons.

The Port Authority also offers AirTrain service to both JFK and Newark Liberty airports. AirTrain JFK connects to New York City mass transit via stations at Jamaica and Howard Beach. AirTrain Newark connects to Amtrak and NJ Transit via the Northeast Corridor line.

Tunnels, Bridges and Terminals

Approximately 3.4 million vehicles are forecast to use Port Authority bridges and tunnels during the Thanksgiving holiday period. The agency will cancel all non-emergency construction work for the five-day holiday weekend at the George Washington Bridge, the Holland and Lincoln tunnels, and the Staten Island crossings. For more information on the agency’s tunnels and bridges, call the “Customer Connection” line at 800-221-9903 or visit www.panynj.gov.

At the Port Authority Bus Terminal, the agency expects passenger traffic to be heavier than usual on Wednesday, November 21, which is typically the busiest travel day of the year, and encourages customers to allow extra travel time to make their bus connections and to purchase tickets in advance if possible.

PATH

Approximately 667,500 passengers are forecast to use the PATH rail system during the Thanksgiving holiday period. PATH will operate additional service prior to the evening peak period on Wednesday, November 21, to accommodate commuters leaving early for the holiday weekend. On Thanksgiving Day, November 22, PATH service will operate on a Saturday schedule. On Friday, November 23, PATH service will operate every 10 minutes during the daytime and evening hours on all PATH lines. On the November 24 and 25 weekend, PATH will operate normal weekend service.

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