O.C. Airport Issues Holiday Travel Tips

'Tis the season for Thanksgiving holiday travel -- and probably a few headaches along the way. To help travelers deal with the nation's most heavily traveled holiday period, John Wayne Airport has issued some tips.

According to JWA, passengers using the airport between now and Nov. 28 should anticipate higher-than-normal crowds. Last year, 187,028 passengers traveled through JWA during the week of Thanksgiving. The busiest travel days are expected to be Wednesday and Sunday.

• Plan Ahead: Passengers should allow 90 minutes to two hours to find parking, check luggage and go through security.

• Airline Ticket Counters: Southwest and Frontier Airlines are currently checking bags in Terminal C. However customers on those airlines can double check with their carrier or JWA’s website before going to the airport, incase any changes occur. Passengers with carry-on bags only can self-check at Terminal C kiosks, and use the new security screening checkpoint in Terminal C.

• Parking: Structures A1 and A2 are located adjacent to and directly across from Terminal A and cost $20 per day or $2 per hour with the first 15 minutes free for dropping off and picking up passengers. Parking structures B2 and C are closest to Terminals B and C and cost $20 per day or $2 per hour with the first 15 minutes free. Curbside valet parking is $30 per day and is located between Terminals A and B, and in front of the new Terminal C on the departure (upper) level. Offsite Main Street parking is located at 1512 Main St., Irvine, for $14 per day with free shuttle service to/from the Riley Terminal every 15 minutes.

• Improvements: are now open, but many smaller construction projects continue. For more information, visit www.ocair.com/improvements.