Reno-Tahoe International Airport officials say the period between December 21 and January 2 is their busiest stretch of the year, and travelers should expect longer and slower lines.
Airport officials say people often show up close to their flight time, because they can do what they call the "Reno Dash." On many days, you can get dropped off curbside and get through security in less than ten minutes, but bigger crowds means security could take 30 minutes or longer.
Spokesperson Reno-Tahoe International Airport Brian Kulpin says people should not only expect more people in line, but also people who aren't familiar with the process.
"A lot of people flying [for the holidays] are inexperienced," Kulpin says. "A lot of old people, a lot of young people, and so expect those lines in security to take a little more time, [and] ore time at the ticketing counters, too."
While airport traffic across the country is starting to pick up, I spoke to a couple people who missed the big crowds Friday morning.
"We were surprised at how smoothly it went," Emalee Kioski says about her and her husband. "When we went through security [at LAX] in line."
"Yea I didn't want to come tomorrow or tonight," Shirley Sagner says about choosing Friday morning to fly to Reno.
Even you're on time and there's nice weather like there was in L.A. Friday morning, you could obviously still face delays.
"We got up at 5:30 [a.m.] to make it to the airport at 6:30 for an 8:20 flight that ended up taking off at 11:30," Kioski says.
Whether you're dealing with other passengers or employees, Kioski says everyone needs to be patient during a crazy week of travel.
"Understanding that the person in front of you is not in charge of delaying the plane, it's not their fault," Kioski says. "So try and go with the flow and relax and know that you'll get their eventually and be with your family for the holidays."
