SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) -- TSA expects to see around 17.5 million people at airport checkpoints across the country during the Labor Day period through Wednesday, one of the busiest stretches it's seen in years.

The Sioux Falls Regional Airport held a steady flow of travelers on Monday morning. Some, like Tony Harris from southern Texas, were on their way back home from holiday travel plans.

"Now, I'm heading back to the heat. I love this weather up here," Harris said.

Others, like Rich Frantz and his family, were just starting their getaways.

"We're headed to the Czech Republic today, where I think it's called Chechnya now," Frantz said.

By mid-morning, it appeared that travelers checking in for flights didn't have much of a wait time.

"Right now, the lines weren't bad," Frantz said. "I got in to checking my bag quite quickly, so that was nice."

Compared to other larger airports around the country, some visitors said flying out of Sioux Falls is a nice break.

"Sioux Falls is easy," Harris said. "It's kind of like the McAllen Airport that I fly out of. They're a little smaller. That Dallas one that I've got to land in, that's a pain in the butt."

"I've flown many times before," Frantz said. "The Sioux Falls Airport is one of my favorite airports to fly out of because it is so relaxed and the people are so helpful."

A few travelers were surprised by the calmer lines on the holiday. Others said they saw it coming.

"I would think that people wouldn't fly out on the holiday. Maybe before the holiday and after the holiday. I thought today would be kind of slow," Harris said.