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Press Release

TSA Now Requiring Boarding Passes at Security Checkpoint

Dec 22, 2003

RDU officials offer additional tips for year-end holiday travel

RDU Airport, NC – The Transportation Security Administration is now requiring boarding passes and a valid government-issued photo identification at Raleigh-Durham International Airport. E-ticket receipts, itineraries and vouchers will no longer provide access through the checkpoints, and boarding passes will no longer be issued at the gates.

Boarding passes may be obtained on most airline web sites, at ticket counters, through airline computer kiosks or at most skycap curbside stations.

As the year-end travel season kicks into gear, RDU also reminds travelers to arrive at the airport two hours before their flight departs to ensure ample time to check in with their airline and proceed through security checkpoint. Passengers traveling with gifts should leave them unwrapped until they arrive at their destination. Gifts may be unwrapped during secondary security screening.

RDU officials expect nearly 400,000 people to pass through the airport over the next two and half weeks. The year-end holiday travel season kicks off this afternoon and lasts until January 5.

Holiday helpers will be stationed throughout the terminals to assist travelers and can be identified by their blue RDU t-shirts. Authority employees will also be located in the parking facilities to help drivers locate their vehicles and assist with dead batteries, if needed.

Following are RDU’s “Get Ready for Takeoff” travel tips. A complete holiday travel guide is located on the airport’s web site at www.rdu.com.

Preparing for Your Trip

  • Limit carry-on items to one bag and one personal item, such as a purse or briefcase.
  • lace all undeveloped film in carry-on luggage. Checked baggage screening equipment will destroy undeveloped film.
  • Remove all knives, scissors and blades of any type or size from carry-on luggage. If taking these items with you on your trip, place them in your checked luggage.
  • Bring a government-issued photo ID. Keep it readily available, as you may be required to show it at several points during your trip.
  • Leave gifts unwrapped as they may need to be opened and are subject to search.
  • Contact your airline before leaving for the airport to confirm flight departure time.

At the Airport

  • Arrive at least two hours before your flight departs to leave ample time for ticketing and security processing.
  • Follow signs to the new entrance to all terminal area parking. Over 11,000 parking spaces are now available within walking distance of the terminals.
  • Keep your parking ticket with you and pay for parking using Exit Express when you return from your trip. Exit Express pay stations are located along pedestrian walkways between the terminals and the parking garage.
  • Use self-service kiosks at airline ticketing counters for greater convenience and efficiency.

Security Checkpoint

  • A boarding pass is required at security checkpoint. E-tickets and itineraries will no longer be accepted.
  • Only ticketed passengers are permitted past security checkpoint; however, arrangements can be made for non-travelers to accompany children and travelers requiring special assistance.
  • While in line at the checkpoint, place cell phone, pager, keys, coins and all other objects containing metal in your carry-on bag.
    Label all medication.
  • For more security checkpoint travel tips, visit www.tsa.gov.

Tips for Families

  • When traveling with children, allow extra time for check-in and security checkpoint; prepare children by explaining the security process ahead of time.
  • Place all carry-on luggage, including children’s bags and toys, on the X-ray machine.
  • Place all child-related equipment, such as strollers and baby carriers, on the X-ray machine. Fold all child-related equipment and secure all items in pockets or baskets before you arrive at the X-ray machine.

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