RDU Airport, NC – Tomorrow kicks off the busiest travel period of the year at Raleigh-Durham International Airport. An estimated 280,000 travelers are expected to pass through RDU beginning Friday and ending Monday, December 1.
The busiest travel days will be Tuesday, November 25, Wednesday, November 26 and Sunday, November 30. RDU volunteers will assist passengers and answer questions.
New Terminal; New Terminal Names
Those who have not traveled through RDU recently will see that major changes have taken place at the airport.
On October 26, RDU opened Terminal 2. The new terminal replaces the red-roofed Terminal C. With the opening of Terminal 2, Terminal A was renamed Terminal 1.
The following airlines operate from Terminal 1: AirTran, Continental, JetBlue, Northwest, Southwest and US Airways.
The following airlines now operate from Terminal 2: Air Canada, American, Delta, United and Charter Express.
Navigating Security Checkpoint
The Transportation Security Administration offers the following tips to prepare travelers for the security checkpoint. Remember:
- Have your ID out
- Take your coat and shoes off
- Take your laptop and bag with liquids and gels out and place in a screening bin
Follow 3-1-1 for carry-on luggage when bring liquids through the security checkpoint:
- 3 ounce bottle or less for all liquids, gels and aerosols that are not exempt
- 1 quart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag to hold all small bottles
- 1 bag per passenger in screening bin
For a list of liquids and gels that are exempt from the 3-1-1 rule and for more travel tips, visitwww.tsa.gov.
More Holiday Travel Tips
- Arrive early. RDU recommends arriving at the airport at least 90 minutes before your flight departs.
- Limit carry-on items. Each traveler is permitted to take one bag and one personal item, such as a purse or briefcase, through the security checkpoint.
- Follow the electronic signs to available parking. Electronic signs are located throughout the airport and will guide you to the parking garage and Park and Ride lots with available spaces.
- Use ExitExpress to pay for parking. If parking in the garage, which is located between the terminals, remember to keep your parking ticket with you. Pay for parking at an ExitExpress pay station before returning to your car.
Tips for Families
- Allow extra time for the security screening process when traveling with small children.
- Remove babies and children from their strollers and infant carriers before proceeding through the metal detector.
- Place all child-related luggage and equipment on the x-ray machine.
- Make arrangements for children traveling alone. Only ticketed passengers are permitted past security checkpoint; however, arrangements may be made for non-travelers to accompany children. Contact your airline to make arrangements.
Demolition of Terminal C
Crews recently began demolishing Terminal C in preparation for the construction of the remainder of Terminal 2. While demolition is visible, it will not impact holiday travelers.
Construction on the south concourse of Terminal 2 and additional airline ticketing and baggage claim space will be completed in winter 2011.
For more holiday travel tips, visit www.rdu.com.
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