Lines were short early at the Louis Armstrong International Airport on the day before Thanksgiving, usually one of the busiest traveling days of the year.

Reporter Jill Hezeau said that around 8 a.m. there were plenty of empty lines at the airport, with the few delays coming during security. For most, it was smooth sailing from there.

Officials expect the traffic to build up as the day goes on, though experts still expect fewer travelers than last year. Ticket sales were down as much as 10 percent last week, but experts expect to see it dip closer to 7 percent because of last-minute buyers.

The hurting economy has been blamed as a reason for the sharp decline in flights. Several extra charges have hit consumers this year, including higher airfare and charges for checking bags, prompting many to stay home for the holidays.

But not even a burning hole in her pocket could keep Hammond resident Robin Jackson from flying.

“I’m going to visit my son who is in the military. He’s stationed in Aberdeen, Maryland.  And I know we’re in a recession, or whatever you call it right now, but nothing was going to keep me from seeing my son,” Jackson said.

Some, like Utah resident Bill Graff, have benefited from the slowdown in ticket sales. He was able to get his tickets late last night.

WWLTV

There weren't many delays early on the day before Thanksgiving at the airport.

“We thought we were going to have to wait until after Thanksgiving, but around 8 o’clock last night we made reservation for this morning,” Graff said. “This is the Wednesday before thanksgiving. Never been able to do that before.”

Here are a few tips if you plan on traveling today:

• Arrive two hours before the flight begins to make sure you have enough time to spare.
• If you’re going to be bringing liquids on board, it can only be three ounces and it must be held in a one quart sized Ziploc bag.
• All gifts must be left unwrapped.
• TSA has a new lane just for families and special needs passengers. It will be open at peak travel times, which is at 9 a.m., 11 a.m. and 5 p.m.
• There is a cell phone lot on the riverside of Airline Highway just across from the airport. You can use the lot to sit and wait in your car if you are picking up someone from a flight. Whenever they are arrive and are ready to be picked up, they can just call you while you wait in the lot. That way, officials hope, they won't be holding up traffic by idling directly in front of the airport.