One-point-seven million Michigan residents are traveling for the Thanksgiving holiday this year. Most are driving, but more than 151,000 are flying, with many in and out of the Gerald R. Ford International Airport in Grand Rapids.
“We typically see 6,000 to 7,000 people a day, but around the Thanksgiving holiday it’s closer to 7,000 to 8,000,” says airport spokeswoman Tara Hernandez. “Airlines are flying larger planes, they’re flying more frequently, putting in overtime for their staff.
She says returning military and veterans will be greeted by members of the Patriot Guard and Blue Star Mothers at the airport as part of their annual “Operation Handshake.”
