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TSA, Charlotte Douglas officials dealing with busy holiday weekend

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Charlotte Douglas International Airport was jam-packed Friday morning with travelers heading out of town for Memorial Day weekend.

"This marks the beginning of the busy summer season, and we're going to look like this June, July and August," said Kevin Frederick, with the TSA.

It's been very busy, with security checkpoint waits upward of 45 minutes long, and it's only going to get busier.

Officials estimate anywhere from 29,000 to 32,000 passengers will originate in Charlotte -- a normal day at the airport sees about 24,000 passengers.

Channel 9 saw long lines, but TSA officials said they’ve been ready for the busy weekend for a while.

“We work hand-in-hand with the airport, with the airlines,” Frederick said. “We know five days out exactly how many passengers we're going to have, so we plan accordingly.”

Bob Davis said he noticed a big difference in the crowds on Friday.

"I just got to the airport, but it's sure a lot busier than when I got here on Wednesday, that's for sure," Davis said.

While the weather in Charlotte is perfect for flying, the Northeast is a different story. Flights to Boston and Philadelphia are canceled.

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Frederick said there are a number of things that travelers can do to make it faster and easier. He said check bags for prohibited items before heading to the airport. TSA agents have caught 23 guns at security checkpoints in 2017 so far.

Frederick also said don't overthink the checkpoints.

"Just because you're going out on B5 doesn't mean you have to go through B checkpoint. Just find the shortest line," Frederick said.

The busiest day of the year is expected to be June 9, when Charlotte-Mecklenburg students get out of school.

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