Travel Tips
Security Screening Tips
Before you Travel
Arriving at RDU
Meeting Someone
Traveling with Children
Traveling with Pets

Security Screening Tips
Passengers flying from RDU are screened by the Transportation Security Administration. The TSA has a wealth of information on their Web site regarding the security screening process. Visit the links below to learn more.

Preparing for the security checkpoint
Advanced Imaging Technology (Full body scanners)
Traveling with liquids and gels
TSA Blog

Other Screening Tips

• Since 2001, only ticketed passengers are permitted past security checkpoint. In some cases, arrangements can be made through the airlines to accompany passengers needed assistance to their gate.
• Bags may be hand searched at ticket counter and security checkpoints and may receive additional screening at the boarding gate.
• Make sure you keep all bags and personal items with you at all times. Do not accept any items from someone you do not know and report any unattended items to airport or security personnel.
• Wrapped gifts often need to be unwrapped during the security screening processto verify their contents.
• Visit the TSA's Web site to learn what items are and are not permitted through the security checkpoint. Airport Mailers operates kiosks at RDU's security checkpoints whereby you can mail unpermitted items to any address for a fee.

Before you Travel
As you prepare for your flight, remember these tips:

• Limit carry-on items to one bag and one personal item,
  such as a handbag or briefcase. Clearly label all luggage.
• Bring a government-issued ID.
• Be aware of the TSA's 3-1-1 rule on liquids and gels when packing items.
• Wait to wrap gifts until you arrive at your destination. Gifts may be unwrapped at the security checkpoint and during random security checks.
• Put all undeveloped film and cameras with film into your carry-on bag. Checked baggage screening equipment will damage undeveloped film.
• Pack smart to get through faster. Keep luggage organized by layering items; this will increase visibility for the security officers.

Arriving at RDU

• Arrive at the airport at least two hours before your flight departs to allow enough time for parking, check-in and security checkpoint.
• As you drive into RDU, watch the electronic signs for information on parking availability. Signs will guide you to hourly, daily and Park & Ride lots.
• Curbside access is reserved for cars actively loading or unloading passengers. Parking on the terminal curb is prohibited.
• Check-in any sports equipment, such as golf clubs, lacrosse sticks, tennis rackets and pool cues.
• Only ticketed passengers are permitted beyond the security checkpoint. The baggage claim areas are designated meet and greet locations.

Meeting Someone?

• 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.
• 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 terminals, grab a sandwich at Panopolis, or pick up a snack at Starbucks, grab a gift or magazine at OTC Drugs and More. If their flight is delayed, consider a short drive to Observation Park or get lunch at Crosswinds in the General Aviation Terminal.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Traveling with Children

• When traveling with children, please allow extra time for check-in and security checkpoint. Prepare children by explaining the security process ahead of time.
• Children, as well as adults, must undergo screening.
• All child-related equipment must either go through the x–ray machine or be inspected by a checkpoint screener.
• Children under 18 years of age usually do not require photo ID for domestic flights; however, as each airline has its own requirements, please contact your airline directly to confirm its ID requirement for minors.
• If a child is traveling alone, parents may contact the airline to receive permission to escort the child to the gate area.
• RDU recommends packing activities for children, such as coloring books, crayons or reading material.

Traveling with Pets

• Contact your airline or travel agent before arriving at the airport to determine your airline's policy on traveling with pets.
• If you are planning to bring an animal on-board the plane with you, you will need to present the animal to the security checkpoint screeners for screening.
• You may walk your animal through the metal detector with you. If this is not possible, your animal will have to undergo a secondary screening, including a visual and physical inspection.
• You may be asked to remove your animal from its carrier so that the carrier can be placed on the X-Ray machine.
• The relief areas are located ouside both terminals. View locations on terminal directory maps.

For questions or comments about security checkpoint, please contact Transportation Security Administration Customer Service at (866) 289-9673 or TellTSA@dhs.gov.

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