Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority Offers Tips to Holiday Travelers

RDU Airport, NC – Today marks the start of the Thanksgiving holiday travel rush. An estimated 270,000 passengers are expected to travel through RDU beginning today through Monday, Nov. 30. Peak travel times typically occur during the early morning from 5 AM to 8 AM and again in the early evening from 5 PM to 8 PM. The busiest days this holiday travel period will be Tuesday, Nov. 24, Wednesday, November 25 and Sunday, Nov. 29.

Follow RDU on Twitter
RDU is now on Twitter at twitter.com/rduairport. During the holiday season, RDU will post frequent information about:

• Impacts of weather on flights
• Holiday events and activities
• Travel tips
• Promotions at The Shops of RDU
• Tips for navigating the airport

Holiday Assistance
Employees from the Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority will be on hand during the busiest travel times to assist passengers who have questions or are in need of information about flights and security screening procedures.

The Airport Authority has also contracted with local service providers to assist passengers with the transportation of their luggage from the passenger drop off and commercial curbs to the ticketing lobby of Terminal 1.

When arriving on the Terminal 1 curb, look for individuals with reflective vests clearly marked for the free baggage assistance service. Luggage assistance will be available during peak travel hours throughout the holiday season.

Top Travel Tips

• Check flight status before leaving for the airport.
  Weather here and in other parts of the country can impact flights. RDU recommends that travelers check their flight status by calling their airline's customer service number or visiting the airline's Web site.
• Place all valuables in your carry-on luggage.
  Carry medicine, cash, jewelry, electronic devices and other important and valuable items with you on the plane.
• Arrive early.
  RDU recommends arriving at the airport 90 minutes before your flight departs.
• Limit liquids and gels in your carry-on luggage.
  Remember these numbers: 3-1-1. Only liquids and gels in 3-ounce or smaller containers are permitted in carry-on luggage. All 3-ounce containers must fit in one clear, sealed plastic bag that is no larger than one quart. Place the bag in the gray bin at the checkpoint for inspection.
• 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.
• Print out your boarding pass from your airline's Web site.
  Most airlines allow passengers to print their boarding pass before coming to the airport.
• Leave gifts unwrapped.
  They may need to be unwrapped during the security screening process. \
• Follow electronic signs to available parking.
  Electronic signs located at the airport will guide you to parking areas with available spaces.
• 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.
• Keep boarding passes and photo IDs out and visible.
  Your boarding pass and ID will be needed throughout the security screening process.
• Use ExitExpress to pay for parking.
  If parking in the garage, remember to keep your parking ticket with you. Pay for parking at anExitExpress pay station before returning to your car.

Tips for Families

• Allow extra time for the security screening process when traveling with small children.
• Remove babies and children from their infant carriers and strollers 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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