Airports are busy places these days as people set work aside in order to get home for the holidays. And most flights are full, meaning longer lineups than usual at the various check-in counters. It’s why airport officials urge holiday travelers to be a little more vigilant at this time of year, and may even arrive earlier than one would usually do so.

Dennis Hogan, President and CEO of the St. John’s International Airport Authority, says even getting to the airport may take extra time because of road traffic, especially in the lead-up to Christmas.

“Make sure you check with the airline to see that your flight is on schedule,” he says. “It may mean additional patience as we’re usually busy right up to Christmas Eve. Things then pick up again after New Year’s.”