Travel Tips
Before you Travel
Arriving at RDU
Navigating Security Checkpoints
Traveling with Children
Traveling with Pets

As of August 10, liquids and gels have been added to the list of prohibited items. Visit the TSA web site to learn more.

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.
• Liquids and gels permitted through security checkpoint are limited. Travel size toiletries (3 ounces or less) are permitted and must be placed in ONE quart-size, clear plastic zip-lock bag. Remove all other liquids and gel items from carry on luggage. For more information, please refer to this announcement by the TSA.
• Remove sharp objects from your carry-on bags before you arrive at the airport. Items most commonly left behind at security checkpoint include lighters, pocketknives and mace. Items that are permitted include small scissors, tweezers, nail clippers and eyelash curlers. For a complete list of permitted and prohibited items or visit the TSA Travel Assistant.
• 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. If someone is picking you up or dropping you off, make arrangements prior to arriving at the airport.
• 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.
• If you are picking someone up from the airport, consider maintaining cell-phone contact with the person you are picking up and ask them to call you when they are ready to exit the terminals.

Navigating Security Checkpoints

• Only ticketed passengers are permitted past security checkpoint; however, arrangements can be made for non-travelers to accompany children and travelers requiring special assistance.
• Bags may be hand searched at ticket counter and security checkpoints and may receive additional screening at the boarding gate.
• While in line at the checkpoint, please remove your cell phone and pager, take out your keys and coins and put them in your carry-on bag. This will save time once you arrive at the metal detector.
• 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.
• Remove all computers from carry-on bags for security screening. You may be asked to turn the device on.
• Airport Mailers operates kiosks at RDU’s security checkpoints whereby you can mail unpermitted items to any address for a fee.

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.

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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