SHREVEPORT, La. -- Travelers are already filling airports ahead of the Fourth of July holiday, with many getting an early start on their plans to spend time with family and friends.
For some, the trip means visiting loved ones. Hudson Bradley and his sister, Abby, were excited to see their grandparents.
Rita Kent-Rea was traveling back to Amarillo to celebrate a family milestone.
"It just the way it worked out. He got baptized and I wanted to spend the time with him," she said.
Others were returning home after visiting family. Leann Moore was heading back to Boston after a trip to her hometown.
"We're traveling back to our second home, which is Boston, Mass. Exciting to go back right before the Fourth, which is kind of like the birthplace of America," Moore said.
Young Atlas Rode traveled to see grandparents.
At Shreveport Regional Airport, officials expect a surge in passengers over the next 10 days as holiday travel reaches its peak.
Susan Rode, who was traveling with her husband and toddler, Atlas, said the journey had gone smoothly.
"They're actually not bad. We had tried to make other weekends work, but we weren't on two connecting flights. So we started in Pennsylvania, made all the way here with no tears on the plane," Rode said.
Airport Director Larry Blackwell said most outbound flights on Thursday and Friday are nearly full, with only a handful of seats still available. The airport has added new routes over the past year, and Blackwell expects passenger totals for the 2026 Independence Day travel period to surpass those from the same holiday weekend in 2025.
SHV boasts efficient TSA security waits.
"Summer is our busiest travel season of the year, and we've had an excellent summer so far," Blackwell said. "We're expecting the airport to be busy over the Fourth of July weekend. Weather plays a big part, and this dry spell we're having has really been good."
The increase in travelers mirrors the national trend, with more than 8 million people expected to fly during the Independence Day travel period.
Sydney King, who was traveling to Florida with her husband to visit their second home near the beach, said holiday travel is typically a positive experience.
"People are usually excited and happy, and I don't think we've ever encountered any problems," King said.
Blackwell said travelers flying through the airport can expect a smooth experience despite the increased holiday crowds.
"We have a very efficient airport where the TSA doesn't have lines," Blackwell said. "You can get in and get to your gate, take your time. We have multiple options for food and beverage, and it's a really good experience."
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