RDU Airport, NC – Today kicks off Fourth of July travel for many Triangle area residents. Over 200,000 passengers are expected to travel through Raleigh-Durham International Airport between today and Thursday, July 5. Airport officials recommend passengers arrive at the airport 90 minutes to two hours before their flight departs.
The busiest day will be Friday, June 29, when over 34,000 travelers are expected. On this day, RDU will celebrate July 4 with live music, free apple pie, children’s activities, bottled water and in-store promotions. The holiday festivities will take place from 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. in both terminals.
Activities for children include complementary face painting, balloon sculptures and Isabelle the Clown. Travelers will also be invited to support the troops and the USO by writing personal messages to U.S. soldiers overseas.
The Airport Authority is co-hosting the event with RDU restaurants, retailers and the USO.
New Passport Rules
All travelers to Canada, Bermuda, Panama, Mexico and other Caribbean nations who have applied for, but not yet received, a passport may still travel. Travelers in this category need to have a government-issued photo ID and official proof of passport application from the Department of State. The amendment to the passport rule will expire on September 30. After that date, passengers will need passports to travel.
Restrictions on Liquids and Gels
Restrictions on liquids, gels and aerosols in carry-on luggage are still in effect. All liquids, gels and aerosols in carry-on luggage must be in a three-ounce or smaller container and fit in one, clear, zip top bag.
Tips for Families
Many families will be traveling through RDU this holiday weekend. Following are some tips for passengers traveling with small children:
- 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.
More Travel Tips
- When parking at RDU, watch the electronic signs, which will feature the latest parking information.
- Pay for parking with Exit Express. When entering the parking garage, remember to take your ticket with you. Pay for parking when you return from your trip at one of the Exit Express pay stations.
- 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.
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