WSET.com - ABC13Flying for the Holidays From Roanoke Airport

Reporter: David Tate

Roanoke, VA – You could run into some big trouble if you plan on flying out of Roanoke Regional Airport for the holidays.

Several flights over the next week have been overbooked, which means if you don't get to the airport early, you could find yourself left off your flight.

A sure sign the Thanksgiving travel season is upon us is when Roanoke Regional Airport starts filling up with college kids anxious to get on a plane home.

For students like sophomore Jerron Walker, he can't get out of town to Atlanta quick enough and is leaving straight from class.

"I had my bag with me, and I didn't want to go back home," said Walker.

That's the kind of urgency airport officials want to stress this year as several holiday flights leading into Thanksgiving and after are oversold.

"Get to the airport at least two hours in advance. If you get here 30 minutes or less before your flight, you are not going to make your flight," said Amanda DeHaven with Roanoke Regional.

The airport also recommends you pay for your baggage charges and print your boarding pass from home.

One of the biggest things you can do is travel light and make sure that what you bring can be brought on board.

"I have body wash. I wasn't even sure if I could bring that. When I get to my parents house I'll use what they have there," said Walker.

"You need to remember the 311 rule: Three ounces of any liquid or gel in a one quart bag in one carry on is what you are allowed," said DeHaven. "And you can fit as many 3 ounce or less items in a one quart bag as you can."

That's good advice for anyone traveling by air, or you could find yourself stuck at home for the holiday.

"Since it is so full, it's going to be a few days before you can get out and go home," said DeHaven.

As for carryon luggage, remember you can just bring two bags with you: A purse or a laptop plus just one bag that needs to fit in the overhead compartment. Everything else must be checked, which will cost you time and money.