Spring Break Travel in Full Swing at RDU

RDU Airport, NC – Spring break is in full swing at Raleigh-Durham International Airport as airport officials prepare for a busy weekend as some college students return from spring break and others depart

This Friday, March 8, will be the busiest day of the weekend with more than 27,000 people expected to fly in and out of RDU.

Following are tips and information for spring travelers.

Number 1 Tip for Spring Travelers: Arrive Early
The busiest travel period of the day is early morning between 5 a.m. to 8 a.m. Passengers traveling during this period are encouraged to arrive at the airport 1 ½ to 2 hours before their flight departs. Airlines in Terminal 1 are reporting that, beginning next week, more flights will be departing during the early morning hours, so passengers on AirTran and Southwest should plan to arrive early.

The second busiest travel period of the day is early afternoon from 3 to 6 p.m.

Top Travel Tips

Remember your ID and all travel documents.
Remember, the name on your travel documents should match the name on your government-issued ID and the name you provided to the airline when you booked your flight. Your ID will be needed during the check in and security screening process.
Check flight status before leaving for the airport.
Weather in our region 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 website.
Print out your boarding pass from your airline’s website.
Most airlines allow passengers to print their boarding pass before coming to the airport.
Arrive early.
RDU recommends arriving at the airport two hours before your flight departs.
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.
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.
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 at the TSA’s website.
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