Let’s Fly: RDU-London Gets an Upgrade - Raleigh-Durham International Airport

Welcome to Let’s Fly!, a monthly round-up of news from the airlines and airports you may encounter on your journey from RDU.

RDU-London Gets an Upgrade

The B-777 is returning to RDU this summer.

Planning a trip to London-Heathrow this summer? American Airlines is bringing back the Boeing 777 to the RDU-LHR route for the summer months. Beginning June 4, you can choose to fly first class to the British capital. You’ll also be able to enjoy many amenities, including in-seat entertainment, aboard the aircraft.

The upgrade is temporary as the airline completely refurbishes the Boeing 767 that currently serves the route. When it is complete and the B-767 returns sometime in August, you’ll still enjoy an upgraded flying experience with a like-new aircraft.

Global Entry Interviews Coming To RDU

Speaking of traveling internationally, Global Entry in-person interviews are coming to RDU on April 28-30. The program allows travelers expedited processing through U.S. Customs and Border Protection facilities at 42 U.S. airports (including RDU) and at 12 pre-clearance centers in other countries. Participants are also automatically enrolled in the Transportation Security Administration’s Pre-Check program.

As part of the application process, travelers must take part in a face-to-face interview. The closest locations are in Charlotte and Washington, D.C. However, for three days in April, CBP will be offering interviews in Terminal 2 at RDU. Find out how you can apply for the program and obtain an interview slot at RDU.

Allegiant Landing in May with Three Florida Routes

Punta Gorda, just outside of Ft. Myers is one of the new nonstop destinations Allegiant is bringing to RDU this May.

Back on the homefront, RDU is gaining a new air carrier. Allegiant Travel, an airline and vacation travel company, arrives in May with non-stop flights twice weekly to Orlando-Sanford, St. Pete-Clearwater and Punta Gorda airports in Florida. All three airports are new nonstop destinations from RDU.

In addition to providing flights, Allegiant specializes in vacation bookings, meaning that you can book hotel, flight and rental car all in one transaction. The six weekly flights from RDU will allow for long weekends in Florida or week-long vacations. Learn more about the flights.

Southwest To Offer Nonstop Flight to the Heart of Texas

Nonstop service to Dallas Love Field, near downtown Dallas, begins in August.

Beginning August 9, Southwest Airlines will offer one daily flight to Dallas Love Field from RDU. This new route gives travelers a second nonstop option from RDU to Texas’s largest metro area. The route also provides great one-stop connection opportunities to these destinations:

Austin
Kansas City
New Orleans
San Antonio
Albuquerque
Oklahoma City
Orange County, Calif.

Frontier Expands To Two New Destinations

Frontier is adding nonstop service to Denver International Airport.

More of everyone’s favorite spokesanimals will be appearing at RDU this Spring as Frontier Airlines expands its operations to include seasonal daily flights to Chicago-O’Hare and Denver. Service to Chicago begins April 30, while the Denver route launches June 11.

Frontier Airlines currently flies four days each week to Trenton, N.J. and several times weekly to Cleveland. Learn more about Frontier’s expanded service at RDU.