Travel Kicks into High Gear at RDU; Passengers Reminded to Arrive Early
RDU Airport, NC – Memorial Day holiday travel began today at Raleigh-Durham International Airport when more than 25,000 passengers are expected to pass through the airport. The busiest of the 6-day travel period will be Friday, when close to 30,000 people will travel through RDU. In total more than 130,000 people are expected to travel through RDU today through Monday.
Officials Remind Passengers to Arrive Early
Memorial Day is the unofficial kick off for summer travel at RDU, and the airport is going to be busy. Passengers are reminded to arrive at the airport at least 90 minutes before their flight departs.
“With many schools heading for a summer break in a few weeks, airlines are reporting most of their flights are full throughout the summer,” said Teresa Damiano, RDU’s director of marketing. “Many travelers give themselves 30-45 minutes to park, check-in, go through security and get to their gate. But during the busy summer season, when business and leisure travelers with families pass through the airport at once, we advise customers to give themselves at least 90 minutes to get to their gate.”
The busiest times of the day are 5 a.m. – 7:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. – 6 p.m. Monday morning is typically the busiest time of the week.
JetBlue and AirTran in New Locations
JetBlue Airways recently moved from Terminal 1 to Terminal 2, while AirTran has moved its operations next to Southwest Airlines in the northern part of Terminal 1.
Tips from the TSA
The Transportation Security Administration offers these three simple tips for summer travelers:
To speed up the security screening process, present your photo ID and your airline boarding pass when you enter the security checkpoint. Hold on to the boarding pass until you go through the metal detector.
Limitations on liquids and gels in carry-on luggage are still in place. The TSA reminds passengers of the 3-1-1 rule for liquids, gels and aerosols at the checkpoint:
3-ounces or less for all liquids, gels and aerosols placed in
1 quart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag
1 bag per passenger placed separately in a security bin for X-ray screenin
The liquid restrictions apply only to carry-on bags. Passengers can pack larger quantities of liquids and gels in checked baggage.
Removing footwear for X-ray screening is required. Wearing footwear that can be easily removed helps speed the security screening process. Also, place sweaters and jackets in one of the bins at the checkpoint.
For more TSA travel tips, visit the TSA Web site.
Tips for Families
Following is RDU’s annual list of travel tips for families:
Children must be removed from strollers and carriers before proceeding through the security screening area.
All carry-on items, including strollers, child seats, diaper bags, blankets and toys must go through security screening procedures.
All bags hanging on and carried under strollers must be removed and put through the X-ray machine.
To expedite the screening process, passengers should collapse and fold strollers and place them on the X-ray belt.
Sharp or pointed toys should be packed in checked luggage.
If a child is traveling alone, families can make special arrangements with their airline to accompany the child to the departure gate.
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