Sachin Walls
El Paso International Airport in Texas has been experiencing an increase in passengers, with a busy holiday season expected. The airport has seen a nine per cent increase in passenger traffic compared to the previous year and a 19 per cent increase compared to 2019. During the 2022 Memorial Day weekend, over 30,000 passengers went through the terminal, with the airport averaging 53 daily flights in June, up from 44 in May. Wait times at the airport can fluctuate, especially during busy periods, but TSA PreCheck is available at all security checkpoints to reduce wait times for frequent travellers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Passenger traffic in 2022 | 30,000+ |
| Average daily flights in June 2022 | 53 |
| Average daily flights in May 2022 | 44 |
| Destinations with recently added flights in 2022 | Austin, Orlando, and San Diego |
| Destinations with additional frequencies in 2022 | Dallas, Las Vegas, and Houston |
| Passenger traffic increase in April 2021 | 685.5% over April 2020 |
| Destinations with resumed non-stop flights in 2021 | Austin, San Antonio, Los Angeles, Orlando/Sanford, San Diego, Chicago, and Charlotte, North Carolina |
| Passenger traffic increase in November 2023 | 9% over the same time last year |
| Passenger traffic increase in November 2023 | 19% over the same time in 2019 |
| Available seats during Thanksgiving travel season in 2023 | 85,000 |
| Busiest days during Thanksgiving travel season in 2023 | Wednesday, November 22, and Monday, November 27 |
| Operating hours | 3:30 a.m. until the last flight departure of the day |
| Recommended arrival time before departure | 2-3 hours |
| Parking options | On-site parking, off-site parking |
| Wait times | Fluctuating, especially during busy days, holidays, or travel periods |
What You'll Learn
El Paso Airport's busy summer travel season
El Paso International Airport in Texas is a busy hub, especially during the summer travel season. In 2022, the airport saw over 30,000 passengers pass through during the Memorial Day weekend, marking the start of the busy summer period. The airport averaged 53 flights per day in June, an increase of nine flights per day from May. This additional traffic was due to new flights to popular destinations like Austin, Orlando, and San Diego, as well as increased frequencies to major markets in Dallas, Las Vegas, and Houston.
To accommodate the surge in passengers, the airport intensified its cleaning and sanitation measures, increased staffing, extended operating hours, and offered more dining options. Passengers were advised to arrive at the airport two to three hours before their scheduled departure to ensure a smooth check-in and security screening process. The airport also encouraged passengers to familiarise themselves with recent changes to parking options and fees, including the addition of the West Lot, which is exclusively paid by mobile device.
Wait times at El Paso Airport can fluctuate, especially during busy travel periods. TSA PreCheck is available at all security checkpoints, allowing frequent travellers to expedite their security screening process. With PreCheck, passengers typically wait less than five minutes in security lines. However, the Transportation Security Agency (TSA) notes that expedited screening cannot be guaranteed for any traveller due to variable security protocols.
El Paso Airport also provides a Cell Phone waiting lot for those picking up arriving passengers. This lot is an alternative to the short-term parking lot and can be used when the short-term lot is full. It is located at the corner of American and Piper, and drivers can be notified by arriving passengers to pick them up within a few minutes.
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El Paso Airport's security wait times
El Paso International Airport is known for its efficient security check process, but it's still advisable to arrive at the airport well ahead of your flight to accommodate any variations in security screening and check-in procedures. The recommended arrival time is 2 to 3 hours before your scheduled flight departure, considering time for parking if necessary. This allows ample time for waiting in queue lines and ensures a stress-free experience.
The airport provides digital displays with real-time wait information at each security checkpoint, but these times are estimates and can vary based on several factors. To get more accurate information on security wait times before arriving at the airport, passengers can use online resources such as iFly's Flight Tracker or the My TSA application, which provide updated information on arrivals, departures, and delays.
During busier travel seasons, such as the summer or holiday periods, it is even more crucial to allow for extra time when passing through security. For example, the airport typically experiences an increase in passenger traffic during the summer, with an average of 53 daily flights in June. Additionally, the Thanksgiving travel season can be particularly busy, with nearly 85,000 seats available during the travel period.
To facilitate a smoother security screening process, El Paso International Airport offers TSA PreCheck lanes at all security checkpoints, which provide expedited security screening for eligible travellers. Passengers can also familiarize themselves with parking options and changes, such as revised parking fees and the addition of the West Lot for mobile-exclusive payment, to save time when arriving at the airport.
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El Paso Airport's parking options
El Paso International Airport offers a variety of parking options to accommodate different travellers' needs. The airport recommends that travellers arrive at least two hours before their scheduled domestic flight departure to allow ample time for parking, check-in, and security screening.
On-Site Parking
ELP provides several on-site parking facilities with varying rates. Covered parking is available in the Premium Reserved Parking area, located at 6701 Convair Rd, El Paso, TX 79925, with a daily maximum rate of $20.00. The Long-Term Parking area offers the most affordable on-site parking for long-term stays, with a daily maximum rate of $7.00. Accessible parking spaces are available in all on-airport parking facilities at standard parking rates.
Off-Site Parking
There are also off-site parking facilities near ELP that offer competitive rates and shuttle services. Offsite options like Courtyard El Paso Airport provide rates starting at $3.49 per day.
Cell Phone Lot
The airport also offers a Cell Phone Lot, located at the corner of American and Piper, where drivers can park for free while waiting for arriving passengers. This lot is a convenient option for motorists, eliminating the need to circle the airport repeatedly if an arriving party is delayed.
Disabled Veterans Parking
The airport offers free parking for disabled veterans and surviving spouses of disabled veterans with certain Texas license plates. Recent changes have been made to the Disabled Veteran Parking policy, so visitors are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the updates.
Long-Term Parking
For parking longer than 30 consecutive days, travellers are advised to call the parking lot office at 915-771-7990 to avoid their vehicle being considered abandoned.
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El Paso Airport's holiday travel season
El Paso Airports Holiday Travel Season
The holiday season is a busy time for airports across the country, and El Paso International Airport is no exception. In 2022, the airport prepared for a busy summer travel season, with Memorial Day weekend kicking things off. The airport anticipated welcoming over 30,000 passengers through the terminal during that holiday weekend alone. As summer travel continued, the airport averaged 53 daily flights in June, an increase of nine flights per day compared to May. This additional traffic was due to recently added flights to popular destinations like Austin, Orlando, and San Diego, as well as increased frequencies to major markets in Dallas, Las Vegas, and Houston.
Looking ahead to the 2023 holiday season, El Paso International Airport is once again anticipating a busy period. The airport has already seen an overall increase in passenger traffic this year, with a 9% increase compared to the same time last year and a 19% increase compared to 2019 before the pandemic. With the Thanksgiving travel season in November, the airport prepared for a high volume of travellers, with nearly 85,000 seats available across scheduled flights during the 12-day travel period.
To ensure a smooth travel experience for passengers during the busy holiday season, the City of El Paso has offered several travel tips. Passengers are advised to arrive at the airport at least two hours before their scheduled departure time, with a maximum recommended arrival time of four hours for those who need additional time for parking and security screening. For those picking up arriving guests, the Cell Phone waiting lot is a convenient option when the short-term parking lot is full. This lot is located at the corner of American and Piper, and drivers can wait there until they receive a call from their guests who have claimed their baggage and are ready for pickup at the curb.
Additionally, passengers can take advantage of TSA PreCheck at El Paso International Airport to expedite their security screening process. TSA PreCheck is available at all security checkpoints, and enrolled passengers typically wait less than five minutes in security lines. However, passengers should be aware that the hours for TSA PreCheck may vary depending on operational requirements, and expedited screening cannot be guaranteed for all travellers. To enrol in TSA PreCheck, individuals must apply and receive approval, after which they are assigned a Known Traveler Number.
With the airport expecting high passenger traffic during the holiday season, travellers are encouraged to review the airport's hours of operation and parking options in advance. The terminal is limited to ticketed passengers with a flight departing within four hours, and overnight stays are not permitted. Passengers can visit the airport's website, FlyELP.com, for detailed information on operating hours, parking fees, and any changes or updates to airport policies. By planning ahead and allowing ample time for travel, passengers can ensure a stress-free experience during the busy holiday travel season at El Paso International Airport.
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El Paso Airport's TSA PreCheck operating hours
El Paso International Airport has seen an increase in passengers and anticipates a busy holiday season. The airport has seen a nine per cent increase in passenger traffic compared to the previous year and a 19 per cent increase compared to 2019. During the Thanksgiving travel season, the airport is expected to have nearly 85,000 seats available for passengers, with the busiest days projected to be November 22 and 27.
To ensure a smooth journey for passengers, the City of El Paso has recommended that travellers arrive at the airport at least two hours before their departure time, with a maximum of four hours. The terminal opens daily at 3:30 am and is limited to ticketed passengers with a flight departing within four hours.
For those looking to save time during security screening, TSA PreCheck is available at all security checkpoints. However, the hours for TSA PreCheck may vary depending on operational requirements, and expedited screening cannot be assured for any traveller due to variable security protocols. While El Paso Airport's security wait times are generally short, travellers are still encouraged to arrive well before their flights to accommodate security screening and check-in procedures.
Passengers can refer to digital displays at each checkpoint for real-time wait information. Additionally, iFly's Flight Tracker can provide updated information on arrivals and departures.
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Frequently asked questions
El Paso International Airport is usually busy during the holidays. For example, the airport experienced a nine percent increase in passenger traffic during the Thanksgiving travel season in 2023 compared to the previous year.
It is recommended that passengers arrive at the airport two to three hours before their scheduled flight departure to ensure a smooth security screening process and airline check-in.
The Cell Phone waiting lot is a convenient option when the short-term lot becomes full. You can park at the corner of American and Piper and wait for your guests to call you once they are ready at the curb with their baggage.
Wait times at El Paso Airport (ELP) can fluctuate, especially during busy days, holidays, or travel periods. However, ELP's security wait times are generally short, and digital displays provide real-time wait information at each checkpoint.
During busy seasons, the airport intensifies cleaning and sanitation, increases staffing, extends operating hours, and offers more dining options. They also advise passengers to arrive early, typically two to three hours in advance, to allow for potential longer wait times during peak periods.
