EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) - El Paso International Airport (ELP) is expecting to welcome thousands of passengers this holiday season, with a "significant" surge in travel activity anticipated for the last weeks of the year. The peak travel period begins Friday, Dec. 20, and extends through Monday, Jan. 6, the City of el Paso said in a news release. The City said that during this time, airlines operating out of ELP are offering nearly 143,000 scheduled seats —representing a 12 percent increase compared to the 127,000 available last year. Mondays and Fridays are projected to be the busiest travel days, as families and holiday travelers take to the skies, the City said. ELP is recommending the following travel tips to ensure a "smooth and stress-free" journey: Plan ahead Visit TSA.gov to review the prohibited items list as well as identification requirements. Check FlyELP.com to review the airport’s hours of operation. Arrive early Arrive at least two hours before their departure time, with a maximum of four hours. This allows ample time for waiting in queue lines and ensures a stress-free experience. Parking Short-term parking lot is expected to fill up, so passengers are urged to use long-term parking, and reserve in advance either valet parking with Park Air Express, or premium parking. Visit FlyELP.com to review pricing and options. Picking up The cell phone waiting lot is a great way to pick up arriving guests when the short-term lot becomes full. For the latest updates, travel tips, and airport news, follow ELP on Facebook or Instagram.