Cedar Rapids/Iowa City – Spring break travel at the Eastern Iowa Airport (CID) will mean an extra-busy airport over the next few days as airport officials encourage passengers to arrive early.
Most area schools and universities have the week of March 14-18 designated as spring break and CID will see passenger numbers of more than 2,300 each day for the next few days. The largest day for travel will be Saturday when more than 2,500 people are scheduled to depart out of CID.
Marty Lenss, airport director, says the annual tradition is always one of the busiest times at CID. “With many area schools and all the colleges and universities in the region, we always see an influx of travel, almost equal to – if not more than Thanksgiving travel.”
The airport, airlines and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) prepare in advance of the busy time, adding staff where possible. In 2020, the TSA and CID opened a third security checkpoint lane, which helps ensure efficiency and low wait times for passengers.
“This will be the first year we will really be able to see how much the third checkpoint lane helps reduce wait times and long lines,” Lenss says. “I believe passengers will be presently surprised at how fast and efficient getting through checkpoint will be.”
Food and drink will be available during key flight times in the pre-security area at Prairie Bistro, which has been re-opened for the first time since closing in 2020 due to low passenger volumes during the pandemic. Concessions in the post-security area (concourse), including The Java House, The High Porch restaurant/sports bar, Cedar Ridge Barrel Room and the Fly Zone will be open during flight departures, so there will always be a food and beverage option available.
Parking is available in both the long-term and short-term lots and additional overflow parking will be available, if needed. For those parking in the long-term lot, there may be a several minute walk to the terminal in spots further from the terminal.
Two premium CID passenger amenities: full-service valet parking and coat check are also available. Information can be found at flycid.com under passenger information. And, for those flying out, CID will have some activities and giveaways on the concourse to add to the spring break atmosphere, including beer tasting by Big Grove Brewery.
