MILWAUKEE — On Wednesday at Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport, the baggage claim may have been a better place to be than the check-in counter.

That is because many travelers were looking to fly out before winter weather hits the Badger State on Thursday and Friday.

Mary Krenzelok was one of the lucky ones. She was able to change her flight to Minneapolis from Friday to Wednesday in order to beat the weather. Krenzelok credited paying close attention to the forecast for being able to get out early. 

“I was planning to leave Friday the 23 to Minneapolis-St. Paul, then when I tuned in to Spectrum News, JD and the crew said, ‘You better start thinking about changing your plans if you’d like to get there for Christmas.’”

Other travelers saw their travel plans disrupted. Jim Adkins traveled to Wisconsin to enjoy the Green Bay Packers game with a friend. As he tried to get home to West Virginia Wednesday, he encountered some flight delays. Still, he remained confident he would make it home in time for Christmas. 

“I just got off the phone with United [Airlines], they think I have good chances at this point,” said Adkins.

Milwaukee Mitchell urges those planning to travel on Thursday or Friday to check with their airline before traveling. Stephanie Staudinger with the airport said it is important to be prepared.

“We are encouraging all travelers to keep in close contact with their airline,” she said. “Keeping that line of communication open because if anything were to change with delays, cancellations, the airline would be the one to let travelers know too.”

Airport officials said they expect Friday to be the busiest day of the holiday travel season at the airport.