The week of Thanksgiving is a busy time for airline travel time of the year, but there are ways to make a trip less stressful, according to Minot’s airport director.

“During the holidays, we tend to have a lot of passengers who don’t travel on a regular basis,” Minot International Airport Director Jennifer Eckman said. “We want everyone to have a safe, enjoyable travel experience, and there are things they can do to help make that happen.”

Passengers should arrive at the airport at least 90 minutes before their flights if checking luggage. Airlines close ticket counters and all kiosk and mobile check-in avenues 45 minutes before the scheduled departure. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoint is open about 90 minutes before a scheduled departure.

Other tips include:

-Use gift bags instead of wrapping gifts. If wrapped items set off security screening alarms, they may have to be unwrapped to be inspected.

-Know your carry-on size as allowed by your airline, as well as the items allowed in your carry-on, and remember TSA’s 3-1-1 liquids rule.

– Many passengers travel with special foods and drinks to share during the holidays. Cakes, pies and casseroles can travel in carry-on luggage but may require some additional screening. Gravy and cranberry sauce are considered liquids and should be packed in checked luggage.

-Travel lightly, with just a carry-on if possible, to avoid lost luggage. Keep critical essentials in a carry-on: medications, chargers and valuables.

-Lost luggage will require contacting the airline directly. It’s a good idea to put an identification card inside your luggage, in case the ID tag on the outside of your luggage falls off.

-Parking lot plugins are available in the Minot airport’s long-term lot during cold weather.

-Trestle Tap House in the Minot airport terminal is open on the mezzanine or after screening.

-Weather changes can prompt flight updates. Those announcements will primarily originate with the airline and may follow on the Minot International Airport’s website.