RDU Offers Annual Holiday Tips for Travel

RDU Airport, NC – The Thanksgiving holiday travel period is underway at Raleigh-Durham International Airport. More than 200,000 passengers are expected to travel through RDU today through Monday, Nov. 28.

Airport officials recommend passengers arrive at the airport at least two hours before their flight is scheduled to board. Many airlines begin boarding flights at least 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time.

The busiest travel days during the Thanksgiving holiday will be Tues., Nov. 22, Wed., Nov. 23, Sat. Nov. 26 and Sun. Nov. 27. Peak travel times occur during the early morning from 5 to 8 a.m. and early evening from 3 to 7 p.m.

Information on TSA Security Screening Procedures
The Transportation Security Administration oversees the security screening process at airports across the country. In the past year, the TSA has made enhancements to the screening process. Passengers 12 and under are now able to leave their shoes on when going through security.

The TSA has also enhanced privacy protections on its millimeter wave Advanced Imaging Technology, which is used in both terminals at RDU. Read more about TSA’s changes at tsa.gov.

Passengers Reminded of Changes at RDU
There have been many changes at RDU since Thanksgiving 2010. Passengers are reminded that US Airways, Continental Airlines and JetBlue Airways now operate from Terminal 2, while AirTran Airways now operates from the ticket counter next to Southwest Airlines in
Terminal 1.

Airline locations at RDU.

Passengers flying out of Terminal 1 are reminded that the pedestrian walkway from the parking garage to the terminal has been closed as the airport prepares for the Terminal 1 modernization project. Passengers are now directed to a temporary walkway with canopy that guides passengers from the garage to the terminal. The walkway can be accessed from Level 2 of the garage.

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 by visiting the airline’s website.
Place all valuables in your carry-on luggage.
Carry medicine, cash, jewelry, electronic devices and other important and valuable items with you onto the plane.
Arrive early.
RDU recommends arriving at the airport at least two hours before your flight begins boarding.
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 checkpoint 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. More information can be found on the TSA’s website.
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 an ExitExpress 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.
Follow RDU on Twitter
RDU is 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 and travel tips.

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