No Mainer would be surprised to learn that summer is the busiest time at the Portland International Jetport. This year, more than 330,000 passengers came and went in August alone.

December might see half that number. But don’t assume that means you won’t be fighting for a parking spot on your way to visit your in-laws for Christmas.

“The parking curve is the exact inverse of our passenger curve,” Zach Sundquist, assistant airport director, said.

That’s because most passengers in August are tourists who get around by rental car or ride share. But the holiday season and winter breaks are busier with outbound traffic — and that outbound traffic usually gets to the jetport in their cars.

“They’re going on their cruise or going to Disney or going to see family for a week,” Sundquist said. “Those are when we really see our parking crunches.”

Here’s what you need to know to get to your gate on time.

Will I be able to get a parking spot at the Portland International Jetport before my flight?

With a little luck — and a little planning.

In 2024, the jetport hit a record of 2.4 million total passengers, up from 1.7 million in 2015. Not only has the number of travelers increased, but so has the number of days they park at the jetport. Sundquist said remote work policies since the COVID-19 pandemic mean people can be more flexible with their travel dates, which has put new strain on the parking supply at the jetport.

“The day before Thanksgiving was the busiest travel day of the year,” he said. “Now, we’re seeing that spread over much longer periods. You can go five, six, seven days early and do remote work from wherever you’re going.”

The jetport has 2,325 long-term spots in multiple surface lots and a five-story garage. The overflow “Pink Lot” has another 400 spots near Exit 46 of the Maine Turnpike that are served by a shuttle. At this time of year, those options are usually near or at capacity.

You should build extra time into your travel schedule if you plan to park at the jetport, but you can also strategize in advance by reserving a spot or at least checking to see which lots are open.

How can I find out which lots are full?

Visit the jetport website to figure out which lots have open spots. The numbers are updated three or four times every day.

On Tuesday, more than a week before Christmas Day, one surface lot was completely full, and three levels of the garage were at 90% capacity. But the top level was still only 50% full, and the Pink Lot was 70% full.

That data might tell you to go straight to the top of the parking garage to find a spot instead of wasting your time circling the lower levels, or to arrive a little early to catch the shuttle from the cheaper Pink Lot.

How do I reserve a parking spot in advance?

The jetport debuted a prepay option during the COVID-19 pandemic and allows about 20% of its spots to be reserved in advance. Booking a spot doesn’t come with a discount but might come with peace of mind. Visit portlandjetport.com/parking for more information.

“You know you’re into the lot,” Sundquist said.

I heard the Portland City Council rejected a request for a new parking lot at the jetport. What happened?

Jetport officials had a plan to add 265 long-term spots to their total supply. The $9.3 million project would have added a surface parking lot with more than 600 spaces and reconfigured 400 or so existing ones.

Nearby residents and the city’s planning board raised concerns about the environmental impacts, which would have included filling wetlands.

In October, the Portland City Council rejected the project, sending airport officials back to the drawing board.

What are officials doing now to address increased demand?

Sundquist said the jetport is working with a consultant to figure out how to expand parking while addressing the council’s concerns about environmental impacts and costs. He doesn’t have a timeline for that project.

“Even where a new parking garage would go is over top of several hundred surface parking lot or parking spaces, right?” Sundquist said. “That is what we’re strategizing here. We still need to figure out how to replace those lots for a two-year construction cycle.”

How can I get to the jetport if I don’t want to or can’t park there?

Sundquist asked passengers in the Greater Portland area to consider using a rideshare app, taking the bus or pressing a neighbor into service. That choice would keep spots open for people who don’t have alternatives to get to the jetport.

“It’s not realistic to think that somebody is going to take an Uber from Presque Isle or Millinocket or Rockland,” Sundquist said. “We do recognize that we serve a rural state, and the way to get to the airport is driving.”

Sundquist said Greater Portland Metro is making more frequent trips to the jetport. For more information about bus routes, visit gpmetro.org.

What if I’m flying in and out of Boston Logan Airport?

Travelers can get to Logan Airport without driving all the way there. A spokesperson for the Massachusetts Port Authority encouraged travelers from Maine to consider taking a bus through Concord Coach. Travelers might also consider the Amtrak Downeaster, although that train doesn’t go all the way to the airport, or the Logan Express, a more affordable option that runs out of discounted lots in the city’s suburbs.

For those who do drive, you can also check the parking capacity or book a spot in advance. On Tuesday, the economy lot was just 35% full.

Is there anything else I can do to get to my gate more quickly?

TSA advises that travelers do not wrap gifts in either checked or carry-on luggage. If you do, use a bag or box that can easily be opened without ruining the wrapping. You’ll save yourself time and disappointment by ensuring that an officer won’t need to undo that perfect bow you tied to inspect the present inside.

You should also consider whether your gifts comply with travel regulations to avoid any delays in security. Snow globes, for example, should be in checked bags because they contain liquid.