Holiday weekend travel rush at RDU means long delays, missed flights for some

Passengers at RDU International are already experiencing delays as Memorial Day weekend approaches.

On Thursday morning at 5:30, lines were growing and went across the concourse at certain points. One line at the JetBlue check-in desk appeared to be the longest.

The airport expects more than 220,000 travelers for the week ending on May 31.

Delta Airlines said 12 passengers missed flights Wednesday morning. Some of whom blame the line at Delta check-in for being long and slow moving.

Twalla McPhaul is one of those passengers. She says she waited for hours at check in as she made her way to Las Vegas for a girl's weekend and that the delays caused her to miss her flight.

McPhaul and her friends say they showed up to RDU at 5 a.m. Wednesday morning for their 7:25 a.m. flight to Vegas.

“The line wrapped around the building,” she said.

McPhaul says just two Delta employees were checking bags.

“We were in line for two hours and by the time we made it up there she told us we couldn’t board our flight.”

Even frequent flyers like Linda Cohen are taking notice of the delays.

“There is a lot less people to help you when you check-in,” Cohen said.

The airport is bracing for its busiest weekend since the lockdown began. Passengers should expect longer lines, fewer empty seats and masks are still required in the airport and on airplanes.

For some passengers like Gloria Blackmon, it’s the first time traveling post-vaccination.

“It was almost overwhelming trying to pack. It’s like I forgot how to do it," she said with a smile. “I think people should still try to enjoy it but still be safe.”

Officials say the busiest time at the airport is between 6 and 9 a.m. — and if you’re flying during that time, expect longer-than-usual lines at security.”

Patience ran out fast for McPhaul, who ran to her gate just as the plane was pulling away. But after a 12-hour delay, she and her friends are finally on their way.

“See you later," she said.

Both the airline and the airport say this is a reminder to show up at least 2 hours early for your flight. Airport officials suggest using ParkRDU.com to book parking options.

And one more piece of advice — if you’re running late — is to use curbside check-in to avoid the lines all together.