Raleigh-Durham International Airport Offers Holiday Travel Tips

RDU Airport, NC – Officials at Raleigh-Durham International Airport are preparing for a busy Thanksgiving holiday. More than 300,000 people are expected to travel through RDU beginning Friday, November 16 through Monday, November 26.

With the number of passengers traveling through RDU up seven percent compared to last year, officials are recommending passengers arrive at the airport two hours before their flight departs. By allowing plenty of time, travelers will have the time needed to park, check in with their airline and go through the security screening process.

The busiest days for Thanksgiving travel will be Tuesday, November 20, Wednesday, November 21 and Sunday, November 25. On Sunday, 35,000 people are expected to travel through RDU compared to 26,000 on an average day.

Following are more tips and information to make holiday travel easier this year.

New Traffic Pattern at Terminal C Commercial Curb This holiday season, RDU has a new pick-up and drop-off location for commercial vehicles, which include Park & Ride buses, rental car and hotel/motel shuttles and limousine services. Designated crosswalks are located directly outside Terminal C and will lead customers to the appropriate shelter. Taxis will continue to pick up and drop off at the curb closest to the terminal.

The new drop-off location for commercial vehicles will increase traveler safety by removing large vehicles, which can block the line of vision, from heavy pedestrian traffic areas.

Liquids and Gels in Carry-On Luggage Limitations on liquids, gels and aerosols in carry-on luggage are still in place. In carry-on luggage, passengers are permitted to carry only travel-size toiletries (3 ounces or less) that fit in one quart-size, clear plastic, zip-top bag. All other liquids and gels should be packed in passengers’ checked luggage. Take your bag out of your carry-on and X-ray it separately to speed up the screening process.

Prescription medications, baby formula and milk are allowed in quantities exceeding three ounces and are not required to be in the zip-top bag. Travelers should declare these items for inspection at the checkpoint. For more information, please visit www.tsa.gov.

Top 10 Tips for Holiday Travelers

1. Arrive early. RDU recommends arriving at the airport two hours before your flight departs to allow plenty of time to park, check in with your airline and go through security checkpoint.
2. Limit liquids and gels in your carry-on luggage. Liquids, gels and aerosols permitted in carry-on luggage must be less than 3 ounces in size and fit in one quart-size, clear plastic, zip-top bag.
3. Limit carry-on items. Each traveler is permitted to take one bag and one personal item, such as a purse or briefcase, through the security checkpoint.
4. Follow the electronic signs to available parking. Electronic signs are located throughout the airport and will guide you to parking garages and Park and Ride lots with available spaces.
5. Use ExitExpress to pay for parking. If parking in the garage located between the terminals, remember to keep your parking ticket with you. Pay for parking at an ExitExpress pay station before returning to your car.
6. Print out your boarding pass from your airline’s Web site.
7. Be prepared for security checkpoint. Before proceeding through the metal detector, remove coats, jackets, blazers and shoes. All metal objects, including cell phones and pagers, should be placed in carry-on luggage or in the containers provided at the checkpoint.
8. Remove knives and blades of any type or size from your carry-on luggage. For a complete list of items prohibited past security checkpoint, visit www.tsa.gov.
9. Keep boarding passes and photo IDs out and visible. Your boarding pass and ID will be needed throughout the security screening process.
10. Visit www.rdu.com before you fly. Check your flight status, tips for navigating security checkpoint and information on where to park, eat and much more.

Tips for Families Traveling with Children

• Allow extra time for the security screening process when traveling with small children.
• Remove babies and children from their strollers and infant carriers before proceeding through the metal detector.
• Place all child-related luggage and equipment on the X-ray machine.
• Make arrangements for children traveling alone. Only ticketed passengers are permitted past security checkpoint; however, arrangements may be made for non-travelers to accompany children. Contact your airline to make arrangements.

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