September 17, 2001

For immediate release
Contact: Mirinda Kossoff, Communications Manager

Travel at RDU Remains Light

RDU Airport, NC --- Airlines servicing RDU reported today that they will be running roughly 90 percent of their schedules, but passenger traffic is light. Ticketed passengers are advised to arrive at the airport two hours before their scheduled flights to accommodate increased security measures and to check ahead with their airline companies regarding the status of their flights.

"We're in the business of providing a terminal for air transportation. We are doing, and will continue to do, everything in our power to assure that the risk to people boarding planes here is minimal," said John Brantley, RDU Airport Authority director.

Because traffic is lighter than normal, parking at the airport should be readily available. Tighter security measures remain in place. Surrounding towns and counties ---Wake, Durham, Morrisville, Cary--- are providing extra police support.

The following passenger restrictions are still in effect:
- No unattended vehicles are allowed on the terminal curbs; pick-up and drop-off only; towing will be enforced
- No curbside check-in, though Skycaps are available inside the terminal for help with luggage and other services
- Only passengers with tickets will be allowed onto the concourse level and at the checkpoints
- Passengers may be subject to random luggage and ID checks
- Passengers, upon their consent, may be subject to physical searches
- Absolutely no knives will be allowed beyond the security checkpoint; this includes pocket-knives and nail clippers with pointed file attachments. Passengers are advised to put these items in their checked luggage.
- All e-ticketed and regular ticketed passengers must report to ticket counters to check in

The FAA states that provisions will be made for parents who need to meet unaccompanied minors, for the disabled and those with special needs who must be accompanied by healthcare assistants and for medical personnel who need to respond to a medical emergency beyond the checkpoint.