Business & Tech

San Jose Airport Expecting 15% Boost In Thanksgiving Travelers (Hint: Arrive Early)

Airport officials hoping three customer-service robots, Norma, Amelia and Piper, will help take the edge off and ease the day. SEE VIDEO.

SAN JOSE, CA — Mineta San Jose International Airport officials expect to see more than 400,000 travelers between Friday and Nov. 29, an increase of up to 15 percent compared to last year's 12-day Thanksgiving travel period.

The busiest travel days are expected to be Wednesday, Nov. 27 and Nov. 28, airport officials said. Peak travel hours are between 5 a.m. and 7:30 a.m., 9:30 a.m. to noon and 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

"Airport Department staff and our many partners are prepared to offer a safe, secure and efficient customer experience during the Thanksgiving holiday travel period," Director of Aviation Kim Becker said in a statement.

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"With the increased volume of travelers in 2016 due to new and expanded domestic and international markets, our team has added high-tech and high-touch amenities so passengers continue to have the best travel experience possible," Becker said.

Between Friday and Nov. 27, live musical performances will take place during peak travel periods, officials said.

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Therapy dogs will also be available to offer comfort to travelers.

Three customer service robots known as Norma, Amelia and Piper will offer directions to dining and shopping options at Gates 11, 21 and 25.

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