RDU Airport, NC – Memorial Day weekend officially kicks off the summer travel season at Raleigh-Durham International Airport. Over 125,000 passengers are expected to pass through the airport over the weekend, and RDU officials predict this will be the busiest summer in three years.

Passengers are reminded to arrive at the airport two hours before their flight departs. RDU will be working closely with the Transportation Security Administration to keep security checkpoint lines moving. Airport ambassadors will also be stationed throughout the terminal and at security checkpoints to assist passengers and to monitor lines.

In April 2004, passenger traffic at RDU increased by 15% compared to the same period last year. This trend is expected to continue throughout the summer as airlines add more flights to meet passenger demand and a new airline begins service.

This summer, the number of daily departures will hit a three-year high of 240 compared to 202 this time last year. The jump in departures is due in part to the arrival of RDU’s newest airline, Independence Air, which will begin service to Washington Dulles International Airport next month.

Following are a number of tips that will help passengers arrive quickly and safely at their destinations.

Parking at RDU
RDU now offers over 11,000 parking spaces within walking distance of the terminals. Follow the signs for parking convenient to Terminals A and C. Remember to take your parking ticket with you and use Exit Express to pay for parking when you return from your trip. Exit Express debuted at RDU last fall and greatly decreases the time it takes to pay for parking. Pay stations are conveniently located between the terminals and the parking garage.

Remote parking is also available in the airport’s park and ride lots. Electronic signs will guide motorists to lots with available spaces.

Traveling through RDU

Following are tips to ensure travel through RDU is convenient and easy.

Obtain your boarding pass before arriving at the airport. Most airlines allow passengers to print boarding passes from their web sites. This will allow you to bypass the ticket counter if you are not checking luggage.
Use airlines’ electronic kiosks. Most airlines at RDU feature electronic check-in kiosks at their ticket counters. Simply insert your credit card to receive your boarding pass. Your credit card will not be charged. It is for identification purposes only.
Before proceeding through security checkpoint, remove all metal, such as jewelry, belt buckles and change. Place these items in your carry-on luggage.
Remove all sharp objects, such as pocketknives and pointed-tip scissors, from carry-on bags.
Place all keys, cell phones and pagers in carry-on luggage to facilitate the screening process.
For more information, passengers can visit www.rdu.com .

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