• Arrive early. RDU recommends arriving at least 90 minutes prior to your scheduled departure to ensure enough time to check-in, clear security and make it to your gate.
• Subtract 30 minutes. Remember that most airlines begin the boarding process 30 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time. To make sure you arrive on time, subtract 30 minutes from your departure time when planning your arrival to the airport.
• Park Close. RDU has more than 11,000 daily and hourly parking spaces located within a five minute walk of both terminals. For another easy option, consider our Park and Ride lots, with easy shuttle access to the terminals.
• Take your ticket. When using the parking garage at RDU, take your ticket with you. When you return to the garage, pay using ExitExpress and avoid lines at the parking garage exit plaza.
• Brush up. If it has been a while since you’ve traveled, brush up on what’s allowed and not allowed through the security checkpoint by checking out the Transportation Security Administration’s Web site.

Arriving at RDU?

• Get your bearings. RDU has two terminals, Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. Spend a moment learning which terminal you’ll fly into, which will save you time and confusion once you arrive.
• Know your options. There are many ground transportation options to help you reach your final destination including taxis, SuperShuttle, Triangle Transit and hotel/motel shuttles.
• Meet at bag claim. If you have loved ones meeting you at the airport. Have them meet you by the bag carrousel for your flight. This will help you find one another more quickly and reduce congestion at the checkpoint exits and escalators.
• Tell them to wait. If someone is picking you up on the terminal curb, have them wait in one of two lots designated as cell phone waiting lots, RDU Center and Observation Park. After you’ve picked up your luggage, give them a call and have them make the short drive to the terminal curb.

Meeting Someone?

• Use your phone. If you want to swing by and pick up your loved one at the curb, use one of two designated cell phone lots, RDU Center and Observation Park. Have your party call you after they have picked up their bags. By the time you get to the curb, they should be waiting.
• Don’t sit, explore. If you arrive early to pick someone up in the terminals, there’s plenty to do at RDU. Check out one of several art installations in the pre-security areas of the terminal, grab a sandwich at Panopolis, or pick up a snack, gift or magazine at OTC Drugs and More or The Corner. If their flight is delayed, consider a short drive to Observation Park or get lunch at Crosswinds in the General Aviation Terminal.
• Know they’re coming. When the flight display says that a plane has arrived, keep in mind that it often takes about 5-10 minutes for your loved one to deplane and walk through the concourse to the bag claim area.
• Meet at bag claim. Have your loved one meet you by the bag carrousel for your flight. This will help you find one another quicker and reduce congestion at the checkpoint exits and escalators.
• Choose hourly. When meeting someone in the terminal, choose hourly parking for either Terminal 1 or Terminal 2 at the parking entrance plaza, depending on which terminal your loved one’s flight is arriving. These spaces offer a reduced hourly rate and are closest to the terminals.

General Tips

• Check your flight. During the busy holiday travel season, it is always a good idea to check the status of your flight before coming to the airport.
• Check-in online. Many airlines offer the option of checking-in online before you arrive at the airport, speeding up your trip through RDU.
• Leave gifts unwrapped. Wrapped gifts often need to be unwrapped during the security screening process to verify their contents.
• Follow the signs. When approaching the airport, follow electronic signs to available parking lots.
• Tag your bag. To more quickly identify and/or retrieve your bag at your destination, tie it or mark it with something that has a bright color or pattern.
• Keep your valuables with you. To reduce your chances for loss or theft of your valuables, keep them with you in your carry-on luggage.
  

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