(Appleton, Wis.) March 9, 2026 — Thousands of people will pack their bags and head to spring break destinations through Appleton International Airport (ATW) in the next few weeks, increasing passenger numbers 19% over 2025. Airport officials project more than 85,900 seats are available and the number of inbound and outbound flights in March will increase 14% over 2025. In the last half of March, as many as 30 flights daily will depart ATW. The growth in traffic is as follows:
March 2025 767 flights 72,114 seats
March 2026 879 flights 85,913 seats
“This exceptional traffic is due to the growth in routes to warm weather destinations from our partner airlines,” said Abe Weber, airport director. “We have 8 nonstop routes to Florida, flights to Arizona, and over 7 daily nonstop flights to major hubs in the U.S. that connect travelers to over 330 destinations in the world.”
Weber says airlines have responded to increased passenger demand from ATW by increasing the frequency of routes and the size of the planes servicing the airport.
“In March alone, we will increase our daily flights to Chicago O’Hare to 11 flights and our new concourse was specifically built to accommodate larger planes with more seating,” Weber said. Of the five airlines serving ATW, Allegiant and Sun Country are already flying larger planes on all of their routes.
Spring break travelers heading to warm weather locations are also taking advantage of ATW conveniences designed to leave winter behind.
Express Park lets travelers drive to the airport’s front door, drop their car keys at the desk for valet parking, and pay the same daily rate as they would for long-term parking.
Also at the Express desk, travelers can drop their bags and while they go through security, airport staff will bring the bags to the ticket counter for bag check.
Express Coat Check is a free, convenient service available to all travelers who want to drop their coat before takeoff and have it securely stored until they return.
If you’re not a frequent flyer and are unfamiliar with the airport, ATW Express Ambassadors will help travelers get to their gates and answer any questions.
“Our Express services are specifically designed to make it faster, easier, and more convenient to get through the airport,” Weber said. “We’re taking the hassle out of a crowded travel season, so you start your vacation on a positive note.”
Despite these services to make travel faster, Weber advises travelers to arrive at the airport well in advance of departure times due to the increased crowds. Some tips to make spring break travels easier:
Due to anticipated high travel volume, officials at ATW suggest using a rideshare service or being dropped off at the airport for departing flights.
If possible, fly in off-peak periods such as mid-week departure and arrival dates.
Download the airline app on your smart phones to efficiently communicate with your airline regarding departure and arrival information,
Remember, TSA PreCheck will help you get through security lines faster. You can easily register for TSA PreCheck at this link.
For more information on flight status, arrivals and departures, please visit atwairport.com.
