Increase in Thunder Bay airport traffic may mean a crowded terminal for summer travellers

People travelling through Thunder Bay's airport are being asked to arrive early this summer to allow for more time to make flights.

In a media release issued Wednesday morning, the head of the Thunder Bay International Airports Authority saidit's going to be a very busy travel season with additional seat capacity in the local market.

WestJet has added a direct flight to Calgary four mornings a week on a 737 which holds 130 people; as well, Air Canada Express will be exclusively using 74 seat Q-400s as opposed to alternating with their 50 seat capacity planes.

Ed Schmidtke saidthat means morning departures between 6:00 a.m and 7:30 a.m.will be particularly busy with up to 700 people needing to get through security and depart in an hour and a half.

He saidpassengers are being asked to arrive at least one hour before departure time.

To see a list of what is allowed on flights, visit What Can I Bring?