RAPID CITY - About 27 million airline passengers will be taking to the skies this Thanksgiving week. A much smaller number will be traveling through Rapid City Regional Airport - but officials warn that the airport could be crowded this weekend.

The busiest days are traditionally the day before Thanksgiving and the Sunday and Monday following the holiday.

AAA South Dakota suggests that travelers prepare themselves - and their cell phones - before departing the airport.

"If you're getting to Grandma's by air this Thanksgiving," said Mark Madeja of AAA South Dakota, "practice what we call 'defensive flying' by going to airline Web sites before leaving to check on flight delays, by using cell phone speed-dials to program the numbers for airlines, hotels, car rentals and the people you are visiting so you can contact them quickly, by taking flights early in the day, and by allowing lots of time to make connecting flights or by flying direct whenever possible."

Tips to help ease air travel plans

- Check the airport Web site at your destination and at Rapid City for up-to-date flight information. The Rapid City site is www.rapairport.org. Click on "Real-time Flight Info." You can also check flight status by calling 393-2850.

- Rapid City Regional Airport's daily parking lot and the long-term lot will be very full. If this is the case, you can probably be upgraded to park in the hourly lot. If you can't find a spot in the daily lot, drive your car through the raised gate between the two lots after entering through the daily parking entrance.

- S.D. Highway 44 west of the airport is under construction. During daylight hours, traffic is sometimes one-way. The delays are minimal.

- Plan to arrive at the airport 90 minutes before your flight is scheduled to depart. It is also important to clear the security checkpoint and be in the gate area ready to board 30 minutes before your flight.

- Come to the airport with unwrapped gifts. Screeners may have to open the items for inspection. You might consider shipping them in advance.

- Liquids, gels and aerosols require special screening procedures. Check the Transportation Security Administration Web site for tips regarding these and other items: www.tsa.gov/travelers/ airtravel/index.shtm.