RDU Offers Tips for a Smooth Holiday Journey 

Stephanie Hawco

The expectation for a busy holiday season makes it even more important for airport guests to follow some simple travel tips: 

  • Book Parking Online: travelers can book parking at parkrdu.com for guaranteed entry into the deck or lot of their choice. Reservations must be made at least 24 hours in advance. If you did not book parking ahead of time, we recommend checking the home page at rdu.com to see which parking options are available before you leave for the airport.  
  • New Parking Option: ParkRDU Express recently reopened, expanding parking on campus by 1,000 spaces. ParkRDU Express is a convenient trunk-to-terminal service that offers airport guests assistance with their luggage and a direct shuttle to the terminals. The Express lot is located on International Drive near Park Economy 4. 
  • Download the App: your airline’s mobile app can provide important information about the status of your flight, including departure and arrival times and schedule changes. You can also check the status board at rdu.com to learn if your flight is running on time. RDU recommends checking your flight status before you leave home. 
  • Get There Early: Travelers should allow plenty of time to park, check in and go through security. RDU recommends arriving two hours early for domestic flights and three hours in advance for international flights. Airlines begin boarding 30 – 40 minutes before departure, so start your trip off right by getting to the gate early. 
  • Use the Cell Lot: If you are picking someone up from the airport, use our free Cell Lot to make curbside pickup run smoothly. Follow the signs on campus to the Cell Lot, located at 1000 Trade Drive, then wait for a call or text letting you know your loved one has arrived. Give them 30 minutes after they get off the plane to pick up their bags and meet you on the curb. To ease congestion at Terminal 2, you can pick passengers up at the arrivals or departures curb.