Spring Break Travel Kicks off at RDU; United and Continental Begin Operation as One Airline

RDU Airport, NC – Many Triangle-area colleges and universities begin spring break tomorrow, and officials at Raleigh-Durham International Airport expect this to be a busy travel weekend. On Friday, more than 14,000 passengers are expected to fly out of RDU, compared to approximately 11,000 on a typical day.

Following are tips and information for spring break travelers.

United and Continental Complete Merger
Effective Sat., March 3, United and Continental’s merger will be complete. The two airlines will merge into one under the name United. The airlines have been co-located at RDU since Terminal 2’s completion in 2011. For information on the merger and its impact on Continental Airlines’ ticket holders, please visit, United Hub.

Top Travel Tips

Don’t forget your ID and all travel documents.
Remember, the name on your travel documents should match the name on your government-issued ID and the name you provided to the airline when you booked your flight. Your ID will be needed during the check in and security screening process.
Check flight status before leaving for the airport.
Weather in our region and in other parts of the country can impact flights. RDU recommends that travelers check their flight status by calling their airline’s customer service number or visiting the airline’s web site.
Print out your boarding pass from your airline’s web site.
Most airlines allow passengers to print their boarding pass before coming to the airport.
Arrive early.
RDU recommends arriving at the airport two hours before your flight departs.
Place all valuables in your carry-on luggage.
Carry medicine, cash, jewelry, electronic devices and other important and valuable items with you onto the plane.
Limit liquids and gels in your carry-on luggage.
Remember these numbers: 3-1-1. Only liquids and gels in 3-ounce or smaller containers are permitted in carry-on luggage. All 3-ounce containers must fit in one clear, sealed plastic bag that is no larger than one quart. Place the bag in the gray bin at the checkpoint for inspection.
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 electronic signs to available parking.
Electronic signs located at the airport will guide you to parking areas with available spaces.
Be prepared for security checkpoint.
Before proceeding through the checkpoint remove coats, jackets, blazers and shoes. All metal objects, including cell phones and pagers, should be placed in carry-on luggage or in the containers provided at the checkpoint. More information can be found at the TSA’s website.
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