Airport travelers heading to Neighbor Islands over the holiday season may find it a little easier to spot parking near their departure gates.

Starting Dec. 2, airport employees will be banned from parking in the interisland parking structure at Honolulu International Airport. That should open up more spaces for residents visiting family and friends, the state Department of Transportation said.

Residents have complained that it's often impossible to find a parking space in the interisland facility, especially during the Christmas season or on three-day weekends.

"So to give people a break, we're going to ask airport employees with parking permits to use the larger overseas parking area," said Scott Ishikawa, DOT spokesman.

Even so, people heading for the airport during the holidays are advised to use the overseas parking structure, he said. "There are often more stalls available there because there's a bigger turnover."

Passengers can speed their trip through airport security lines by following simple rules.

"The best thing to remember is to not wrap your Christmas gifts," Ishikawa said. "If you put a wrapped package in your carry-on bag, they are going to be opened up right there by federal security guards, and that will slow down the whole line," he said.

Among other holiday tips: