20,000 passengers come through Charlotte Douglas Friday

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Transportation Security Administration told Eyewitness News it screened more than 20,000 passengers Friday at Charlotte Douglas Airport.

US Airways usually processes 4,000 people on Fridays.

Thousands of delegates and Democratic National Convention attendees packed the airport throughout the afternoon. The crowds died down by late Friday night, but the airport was still unusually busy.

Eyewitness News caught up with Heidi Wilson a few hours before her flight back to Washington, D.C.

She said she normally never would arrive at the airport so early, but she received a special email from US Airways.

"US Airways told us we needed to get here three hours before to check in," Wilson said.

"So when you came here and see that it's not too crowded, what's going through your mind?" asked Eyewitness News.

"I mean I'm kind of bummed, but it is what it is," she said.

The crowds moved swiftly from the check-in counters through TSA security lines throughout the day.

"I just thought get here a little early, cause you could get caught in long lines checking in, checking your bags. Nobody wants to end up not getting on the flight," said DNC visitor Alan Sanborn.

Overall, visitors said they had a memorable time at the convention, and an easy time getting through the airport.

"It seems like US Airway's been great. The Charlotte airport's been great. Everyone's been very helpful," said traveler Sheila Nix.

US Airways said 600 passengers opted to leave Thursday when the airline decided to waive any ticket change fees which helped relieve congestion at the airport Friday.

WSOC