RDU Airport, NC – The Transportation Security Administration and officials at Raleigh-Durham International Airport are preparing for a busy Thanksgiving holiday. Nearly 300,000 people are expected to travel through RDU this Thanksgiving travel period, which kicks off today and ends Monday, November 27.
The busiest days for Thanksgiving travel will be Tuesday, November 21, Wednesday, November 22, Thanksgiving morning, Saturday, November 25 and Sunday, November 26.
Liquids and Gels in Carry-On Luggage
The TSA recently modified the rules for liquids, gels and aerosols in carry-on luggage. Passengers are now permitted to carry travel-size toiletries (3 ounces or less) that fit in one quart-size, clear plastic, zip-top bag. All other liquids and gels should be packed in passengers’ checked luggage.
Prescription medications, baby formula and milk are allowed in quantities exceeding three ounces and are not required to be in the zip-top bag. Travelers should declare these items for inspection at the checkpoint. For more information, please visit www.tsa.gov.
Some travelers will encounter this change for the first time. To assist these passengers, the Airport Authority has teamed up with Anton AirFoods, Paradies Shops and Pactiv, the parent company of Hefty, to provide quart-size bags to passengers with travel size toiletries. Airport Authority volunteers will be distributing the bags on peak travel days and times. Volunteers will also be on hand to help travelers who have questions about the new rules.
AirTran Airways Relocates
AirTran Airways’ ticketing counter has moved to the south end of Terminal A between Northwest and Continental Airlines’ ticket counters. The airline is also now operating out of Gate A-11. AirTran passengers will pick up their luggage at bag claims 1, 2, 3 located in Terminal A near the visitor information counter.
Top 10 Tips for Holiday Travelers
- Arrive early. Travelers should arrive at the airport two hours before their flight departs.
- Limit liquids and gels in your carry-on luggage. Liquids, gels and aerosols permitted in carry-on luggage must be less than 3 ounces in size and fit in one quart-size, clear plastic, zip-top bag.
- Visit www.rdu.com before you fly. Check your flight status, tips for navigating security checkpoint and information on where to park, eat and much more.
- Limit carry-on items. Each traveler is permitted to take one bag and one personal item, such as a purse or briefcase, through the security checkpoint.
- Follow the electronic signs to available parking. Electronic signs are located throughout the airport and will guide you to parking garages and Park and Ride lots with available spaces.
- Use ExitExpress to pay for parking. If parking in the garage located between the terminals, remember to keep your parking ticket with you. Pay for parking at an ExitExpress pay station before returning to your car.
- Print out your boarding pass from your airline’s Web site. Most airlines allow passengers to print their boarding pass before coming to the airport.
- Be prepared for security checkpoint. Before proceeding through the metal detector, remove coats, jackets, blazers and shoes. All metal objects, including cell phones and pagers, should be placed in carry-on luggage or in the containers provided at the checkpoint.
- Remove knives and blades of any type or size from your carry-on luggage. For a complete list of items prohibited past security checkpoint, visit www.tsa.gov.
- Keep boarding passes and photo IDs out and visible. Your boarding pass and ID will be needed throughout the security screening process.
Tips for Families Traveling with Children
- Allow extra time for the security screening process when traveling with small children.
- Remove babies and children from their strollers and infant carriers before proceeding through the metal detector.
- Place all child-related luggage and equipment on the X-ray machine.
- Make arrangements for children traveling alone.
Only ticketed passengers are permitted past security checkpoint; however, arrangements may be made for non-travelers to accompany children. Contact your airline to make arrangements.
###