JACKSON, Miss. (WLBT) – Spring break is underway, and the Jackson Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport wants passengers to be prepared for their flights. Thousands are expected for trips across the country and abroad.

“I was actually the one that was late today,” said Andrew Sikes of Brandon.

The 20-year-old made it in time to meet members of Oakdale Baptist Church for their spring break trip. Instead of sunning on a beach, the University of Southern Mississippi education major and the mission group will be hard at work.

“I really like working with the kids. So I’m going down to it’s called Casa de Fe in Ecuador, and we work with the kids, and we do a lot of construction projects,” said Sikes. “It’s just something that really touched my heart. This is my sixth trip.”

The rush began Thursday, and for the next week and a half, long lines are expected. Officials urge passengers to arrive two hours before their flight and check with www.tsa.gov for travel regulations and restrictions along their route.

“Definitely know before you go. Check our websites,” said Jackson Municipal Airport Authority Communications Director LSherie Dean.

“You can check online for parking options and availability. There’s also a phone line that you can contact as well, but definitely go to www.iflyjackson.com to get all of that information.”

“I’m going back home to see family and enjoy my time off,” said Brady Riley.

He was heading to Texas. The Mississippi State University aerospace engineering major said he is ready for some much-needed sleep and home cooking.

“I had a class this morning, so I had that, and I drove down about two hours 15 minutes something like that so it wasn’t bad at all,” said Riley. “I have not been home since Christmas, and I’m really looking forward to it.”

Approximately 40,000 passengers are expected through Monday, March 17.

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