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Press Release

RDU Prepares For Holiday Travel; Customers Should Arrive Early

Nov 13, 2001

RDU Airport, NC – Extra paid and volunteer staff will be on duty at RDU to help customers deal with travel issues during the busy Thanksgiving holiday travel season. Airport officials advise passengers to arrive early to allow plenty of time for parking and check-in.

Airlines anticipate heavy traffic through RDU for the Thanksgiving travel period Tuesday through Sunday. Over 200,000 people are expected to pass through the airport during the six-day period.

To prepare for the busiest travel season of the year and help passengers deal with new security challenges, RDU has temporarily hired 46 additional staff to assist with parking, terminal curb traffic and busing operations. Four, new 40-foot passenger buses have been added to RDU's fleet of 18 buses used to shuttle travelers from the park and ride lots to the terminals. To speed the security checkpoint process, the airport purchased a fourth magnetometer to support a fourth baggage processing lane added to the main checkpoint area of Terminal A.

Additionally, an administrative team of 44 staff and 30 volunteer airport ambassadors will support front-line staff assisting customers on the terminal curbs, in parking lots and in the terminals.

Tight security regulations present new challenges to airports and passengers, so travelers should allow plenty of time to get through traffic congestion, park their vehicles, check in and clear security. Some airlines recommend that travelers arrive at least two hours before their scheduled departures. When in doubt, travelers should check with their airlines for recommendations on how much time to allow.

Because of increased FAA- mandated security measures, passengers must limit their carry-ons to one bag and one personal item, such as a handbag or briefcase.

Travelers also are being asked to go directly to the Park and Ride lots and catch courtesy shuttles to avoid congestion in front of the terminals. Airport courtesy buses provide service every 15 minutes between Park and Ride lots and the terminals.

Luggage carts will be available in the parking decks near the terminals.
Vehicles are not allowed to wait at the curb for arriving passengers. Drivers waiting inside their vehicles will be asked to move on. Because of security concerns, unattended vehicles left at the curb will be towed immediately.

  • Since last year's holiday rush, the airport has invested nearly $50 million in parking and facilities improvement including the following:
  • Park and Ride 4 has been expanded.
  • Park and Ride 5 has been paved and lighted.
  • Enhancements have been made to Park and Ride 3.
  • Expansion of Park and Ride 2 is ongoing.
  • With the completion of Parking Garage 3 last year, the airport now has nearly 17,000 available parking spaces.
  • The queuing area of the main checkpoint in Terminal A has been doubled to 5,000 square- feet.
  • The main checkpoint area of Terminal A has been expanded from two to four checkpoint lanes.
  • Terminal A South Concourse opened, adding 5 aircraft gates and passenger waiting rooms.

In the area of security, the airport:

  • Purchased 4 new magnetometers, (three last year and one added before Thanksgiving).
  • Acquired an explosive detection canine.

In addition:

  • The number of security personnel at Terminal A's main checkpoint has doubled.

To make your holiday travel easier, follow these travel tips:

If you're parking:

  • Arrive early. Airlines suggest you arrive two hours before scheduled departure to allow time for increased security checks and parking. Check with your airline for its recommendation.
  • Use Park& Ride lots; RDU's courtesy buses pick up every 15 minutes to take you to the terminals.
  • Follow the signs to available parking; electronic signs will give you current information on lots and availability.
  • Write down where you parked so you can easily find your vehicle when you return.
  • Check the RDU Website at www.rdu.com for information on parking, maps of RDU, airline links and other details.
  • Listen to 1610 AM for parking information.

If a friend is dropping you off or picking you up:

  • Arrive early, at least two hours before your airline's departure, to allow time for increased security checks.
  • Discuss details about airline, arrival time and exact meeting place.
  • No waiting in vehicle or unattended vehicles are allowed at curbside; curbside is reserved for active drop-off and pick-up only.

Check-in:

  • Curbside check-in has been reinstated in most cases, but check with your airline first.
  • Bring at least one government-issued photo ID (such as driver's license) for check-in and security screening and be ready to show it several times before your flight.
  • New FAA regulations stipulate only one carry-on bag and one personal carry-on, such as a handbag or briefcase; check all other luggage. Laptops must be removed from their cases and scanned separately at the checkpoint.
  • Do not pack knives, cutting or puncturing implements of any kind in your carry-on luggage.
  • Do not pack wrapped gift packages; heightened security measures require that packages be unwrapped and examined, which will slow the check-in process. If possible, mail or ship packages ahead of time.
  • Have your luggage clearly labeled, and do not take anything from strangers.
  • Do not leave your luggage unattended.
  • Please cooperate with increased security regulations if you and/or your baggage-- both checked and carry-on, are searched.

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