FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 17, 2000
Media Contact: Mike Blanton, Public Affairs Manager
Phone: (919) 840-2100, ext. 207 Pager: (919) 981-2135

RDU Prepared for Thanksgiving Holiday Travel

RDU Airport, NC --- Officials at Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) are bracing themselves for the second wave of heavy holiday travel following one of the busiest Thanksgiving travel periods in the airport's history. Nearly 200,000 passengers traveled in and out of RDU during the week of Thanksgiving and the airport is expecting similar numbers for Christmas and New Year's.

With minor revisions, RDU's holiday operations plan is again in place this week to handle holiday traffic. "We can expect more of everything at Christmas, but because it extends over a longer period of time, it may not seem quite as busy," said Deputy Airport Director R.C. Shackelford.

Traffic lanes in front of Terminal A will again be separated with cones and barrels with the outer most lane dedicated as a bypass lane for vehicles traveling to Terminal C and parking areas. Additional signage along roads throughout the airport has been installed to help direct travelers into the correct lanes and to the airport's Park and Ride lots.

Airport police and traffic control officers will be stationed at strategic areas to help keep traffic flowing. RDU administrative staff members will also be assigned to work in Park and Ride lots and curbside to assist passengers.

RDU officials are saying smart holiday travelers will plan to arrive at the airport at least two hours prior to their scheduled departures. Travelers are also being asked to go directly to the Park and Ride lots and catch courtesy shuttles to avoid congestion in front of the Terminals. Airport shuttles will provide service between the Park and Ride lots and Terminals every 15 minutes.

Available parking is expected to be tight during the holidays, but is not expected to reach capacity. Demands on parking during Thanksgiving were slightly below 1997 levels, however, airport parking officials are expecting significantly more demand during Christmas and New Year's.

Drivers picking up or dropping off passengers are encouraged to use the Hourly parking lots in front of the Terminals. Vehicles will not be allowed to wait at the curb for arriving passengers. The Hourly lots never filled during Thanksgiving and the cost is only $1.00 per hour. Unattended vehicles left at the curb will be towed immediately due to security and congestion concerns.