45 million expected to fly in US during holidays

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- More than 45 million people will be flying on airlines in the U.S. during the 21-day holiday period which begins on Dec. 16, according to Airlines for America.

The number is a 3.5 percent increase in passengers from last year.

Experts said the busiest travel days will likely be Dec. 22nd and 23rd, with the lightest days being Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.

To help accommodate for the holiday rush, airlines have made 99,000 more seats available each day.

Travelers at many airports will also see automated security screening lanes and luggage tracking systems to speed up the boarding process.

Experts said the busiest airports in order will be Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Chicago's O'Hare International Airport, Los Angeles International Airport, Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport and Denver International Airport.