Syracuse, New York –The Syracuse Regional Airport Authority (SRAA) announced today that preparations are underway for an anticipated significant uptick in winter break travelers at Syracuse Hancock International Airport (SYR).

From Friday, February 18^th through Wednesday, February 23^rd, the airport is expecting over 27,000 passengers to board flights at SYR – a staggering 95% increase over the same stretch during last year’s New York State Travel Advisory. Compared to 2019 – which was the busiest year in three decades at SYR – this year’s projection represents a 14% increase in available seats during the same time period. The increase for winter break can be attributed to more airlines operating at the airport than in recent years and more nonstop routes being offered.

Additionally, in anticipation of the increased winter break demand, all air carriers have either increased the frequency of their flights or increased the size of their aircraft serving many of their routes out of Syracuse– known as “upgauging” the aircraft. For example, low-cost carrier Southwest Airlines has chosen to upgauge the aircraft serving its Syracuse to Orlando route from an 737-700 to a 737-800 – an additional 32 seats on each flight. Ultra-low-cost carriers Frontier Airlines and Allegiant Airlines have increased their frequency of service from Syracuse to multiple Florida hotspots.

“We’re excited to welcome families back to SYR as they embark on winter break travel,” said SRAA Executive Director Jason Terreri. “We know that for many people, this may be their first time flying in quite a while. We want SYR travelers to know that our team has worked around the clock to ensure a safe, healthy, and enjoyable airport experience.”

The airport’s highly lauded Pets Easing Travelers (PET) Program will conduct increased therapy dog visits to the airport, and additional Fly Guide Ambassadors will be on hand to help guide travelers around the terminal.

Travelers who will be parking their vehicle at SYR are encouraged to pre-book their parking on the airport’s parking page. The overflow parking lot will be available to accommodate the expected increase in parking demand during winter break.

Local Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officials recommend arriving at SYR two hours prior to a traveler’s scheduled departure, especially during peak hours. Peak TSA checkpoint traffic at SYR generally occurs between 4:30 am – 6:00 am, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm, and 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm.

To learn more about the 27 destinations served by nonstop flights from Syracuse, please visit the airport’s Destinations page.