RDU recommends planning ahead to secure parking amid holiday travel rush
The holidays are here, and that means travel is ramping up. Raleigh-Durham Airport is preparing for one of its busiest weeks of the year as people prepare to fly over the Thanksgiving holiday.
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Record travel numbers are expected at Raleigh-Durham International Airport through the holiday weekend. More than 286,000 people are expected to pass through RDU this week. More than 143,000 people are forecast to pass through security checkpoints between Wednesday, Nov. 22, and Monday, Nov. 27. The airport is expecting this year’s Thanksgiving travel rush to surpass the record it met in 2019, beating out pre-pandemic numbers.
Sunday is expected to be the busiest travel day at the airport followed by Wednesday and Monday.
RDU parking spots filling fast
Many of those who travel will plan to park in an RDU lot.
Crystal Feldman, RDU vice president of communications, government and community affairs, recommended coming with a plan, because lots fill up fast. Booking is required 24 hours in advance.
"We have the terminal deck, which has Central and Premier, as well as Park Economy 3, Park Economy 4 and Express (parking). We also have digital road signage around the airport that tells you which lots are open and which ones are closed," Feldman said.
Travelers can book a reserved parking spot at RDU up until 24 hours before their scheduled flight.
RDU's new Express Lot just opened in October, adding another 1,000 parking spaces at RDU.
Parking is available on demand for people who prefer not to book in advance.
Cheryl Johnson booked four days of parking, swiped a code for access and got into the terminal without standing in the rain. "$80 for our four nights, and it's just so easy," she said. "Every time, we're doing this. I don't care how much it costs. It's just so much more relaxing."
Christopher Scott has learned from experience to plan ahead. "I've done that before at this airport where I showed up and there wasn't any space," he said.
Off-airport parking options, like Fast Park, were only taking day-of bookings by Tuesday afternoon. That's at a cost of $12.50 per day, 50 cents more than a day of parking in an RDU Economy lot.
And of course, there's always rideshare, but pricing depends on location and time of day.
On the roads, 49 million people are expected to drive to their Thanksgiving destinations. AAA expects Wednesday to be the most crowded on the roads.
Tips for smooth Thanksgiving air travel
- Book parking online at least 24 hours in advance at parkrdu.com.
- Arrive 2 to 3 hours before your scheduled flight. Check in early.
- Download the app of your airline to get updates on your flight status and any changes.
- Know TSA rules and make sure your luggage is ready to pass through security.
- Empty your pockets prior to arriving in the checkpoint.
- Know how to travel with special holiday foods and drinks. Alcohol, jams, jellies, sauces and wines in quantities larger than 3.4 ounces should go in a checked bag. Cakes, pies, cookies and breads can travel in carry-on luggage in any quantity, but may require some additional screening.
- Use gift bags instead of wrapping paper in case the TSA has to search the gift.
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