RDU Airport, NC — Officials at Raleigh-Durham International Airport are expecting a busy year-end holiday season, when approximately 365,000 people will travel through RDU. The holiday travel period began Tuesday, Dec. 20 and ends Monday, Jan. 2.
The busiest travel days will be Thursday, Dec. 22, Friday, Dec. 23, Monday, Dec. 26 and Tuesday, Dec. 27.
Travelers should also note that the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will implement new changes starting Dec. 22. Passengers will be allowed to carry small scissors and some small tools in their carry-on bags, and will also be subject to increased random searches.
Construction Projects and Holiday Travel
A new central pedestrian walkway on the upper level to Terminal C opened right before this holiday travel season. Through the holidays, the north crosswalk on the upper level of the parking garage will also continue to be open.
At Terminal A, the airport is eliminating most surface crosswalks for improved pedestrian safety. All travelers who wish to access the parking garage from this area will be directed to the underground pedestrian tunnel. Travelers using Southwest and AirTran airlines can use the pedestrian tunnel by the main baggage claim or the surface crosswalk at the north end of Terminal A to enter the terminal-area parking facility.
RDU and TSA Offer Ten Tips for Holiday Travelers
-
Arrive early — Travelers should arrive at the airport 1½ to 2 hours before their flight departs. Two hours are recommended on peak travel days. Travelers should allow plenty of time to park, check-in with their airline and proceed through security checkpoint.
-
ExitExpress is the WAY to PAY for parking. If parking in the garage between the terminals, remember to keep your parking ticket with you. Pay for parking at an ExitExpress pay station before returning to your car. Motorists can also pay at the exit plaza using a credit card in designated lanes.
-
Before you fly — visit the RDU Web site, www.rdu.com. Check your flight status, security check point tips and information on where to park, eat and much more.
-
Save time — print out your boarding pass from your airline’s Web site. Most airlines allow passengers to print their boarding pass out before they head for the airport. If you are not checking luggage, you can go straight to the security checkpoint. If you are checking luggage, some airlines will have lines set up for travelers who already have their boarding passes.
-
Use your airline’s electronic kiosk at the airport — get your boarding pass and check in luggage. The electronic kiosks are a faster way to get your boarding pass and to check in luggage. All airlines at RDU offer the self-service kiosks at or near their ticket counters.
-
Be prepared for the security checkpoint. Before proceeding through the security checkpoint, travelers should remove coats, jackets, blazers and shoes. All metal objects should be placed in carry-on luggage or in the containers provided by the TSA at the checkpoint. For more information on what to pack and what not to pack visit http://www.tsa.gov/public/ .
-
TSA now bans all cigarette lighters from aircraft cabins. This is the most significant change since last Thanksgiving. Passengers are encouraged to dispose of their lighters prior to entering the security checkpoint.
-
Keep boarding passes and photo IDs out and visible until you have exited the security checkpoint.
-
Remove all knives, scissors and blades of any type or size from your carry-on luggage. If taking these items with you, place them in your checked luggage.
-
Leave gifts unwrapped, as they may need to be opened and are subject to search.
###