Travel News: The good news is that the increase is due to a rise in the economy. The bad news is that airport terminals will be more crowded during this year's 12-day Thanksgiving holiday period. The American Transport Association announced that it is expecting 24 million travelers to be flying during that period, which is an increase of 3.5 percent over last year's figures. The ATA also estimates that the volume of travelers taking flight over the 12 days will range from 1.3 to 1.5 million per day.

"It is reassuring to see travel levels rebounding, with the stronger economy," said ATA president and CEO James C. May. "While modest, the recovery is particularly encouraging given the deep hole that this industry was in a year ago."

The ATA also put out a heads up to air travelers to be aware that the four busiest days to travel during the 12-day period are Sunday and Monday, November 28-29, Friday November 19, and Wednesday, November 24. Thanksgiving Day, November 25, is anticipated to be the least busy day.

The ATA is encouraging travelers to download its mobile application, My TSA. It provides info on airport status and checkpoint waiting times as well as rules and regulations for liquids, gels, aerosols in carry-on bags and the handling of special items. More than 90 percent of all U.S. airline passengers are transported by ATA airline members and affiliates.

Source: American Transport Association (ATA)