AUGUSTA, Ga. (WFXG) - The check-in line, the baggage claim, and the terminals were all busier than usual.

Some are coming in, some are going out.  With the Masters Tournament officially getting underway on Thursday—the airport has served as the launching point of what will be a non-stop week for the city of Augusta.

 “If you were to go outside and watch the airline processing, they’ve got teams of people that are unloading bags and getting people off, so it’s a team effort, and everything is going good so far, we’re pretty much halfway home,” said Herbert Judon, Augusta Regional Airport Executive Director.

Every year Augusta Regional Airport makes improvements to its Masters plan to accommodate the growing number of patrons.

Judon says, “It gets better every year and we’ve grown the airport, we’ve added two new jet bridges so that makes things go a little bit better and even in future years there’s going to be additional construction that makes masters go more efficient.”

Judon says this week alone the airport will be welcoming around 2,500 people a day to Augusta; that’s compared to 900 to 1000 people on a normal day.

Some patrons have been coming for years...

“Bringing the environment out on the course, it’s so peaceful out there and everyone is so happy to be here, so it’s a lot of fun. Just watch the golf and kind of relax with out your phone in your pocket, its pretty nice too,” said Brian Schneekloth, patron from Boston.

For others it will be their first time stepping on to the Augusta National Golf Club Course.

Jessy Lakin from Alaska says, “My first time even on the east coast really and looking forward to everything, the sandwiches to the 2 dollar beers I’m being told. Just kind of taking my shoes off feeling the grass and the majestic mindset of Augusta.”

Either way after a day of travel the Masters patrons are excited to be in the Garden City.

TSA wants to remind passengers to expect longer lines at Augusta Regional Airport next week as patrons return home from the Masters, describing Monday as a mass exodus day.

They recommend travelers to arrive two hours before their departure time.

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