Local News

RDU installs new tech, expecting over 180,000 passengers over July 4 weekend

Things may look a little different at Raleigh-Durham International Airport this weekend. In order to get passengers to their destinations, RDU is using new technology to speed up the process of getting through the gate.

Posted Updated

RALEIGH, N.C. — Things may look a little different at Raleigh-Durham International Airport this weekend. In order to get passengers to their destinations, RDU is using new technology to speed up the process of getting through the gate.

RDU expects more than 182,000 passengers to fly through the airport on July 4 weekend. That number is about 17% higher than the same weekend last year –– but still around 7% below the same weekend in 2019, prior to the pandemic.

Thursday marks the busiest travel day of the Independence Day weekend, with more than 40,000 passengers expected. Another 39,000 are expected to fly on Friday, July 1.

Because of the immense amount of traffic, airport officials warn of potentially longer wait times, especially during the early morning.

"Security checkpoint wait times are increasing as more people return to air travel, especially over busy travel periods such as holiday weekends," said officials in a release.

New technology to help speed up wait times

To help speed up wait times, TSA has installed a new technology at checkpoints in both terminals to help reduce contact and allow passengers to keep more items in their carry-on bags during the screening process.

Passengers should expect to see some new technology in security checkpoints that should help them get to their gates much quicker.

Gone are the days of removing multiple items like laptops or food from your carry-on luggage. Instead, everything can stay inside your bag when you send it through.

"With the new computed tomography machines, our ask is for you to put everything inside your bag," says Mark Howell, TSA Regional Spokesperson

RDU now has 14 checkpoint lanes with the Computed Tomography, or CT 'X-ray' scanners. This updated technology allows TSA officers to quickly view 3-D images of the contents of a bag.

"This allows our transportation security officers to have a 360 degree view of the bag," says Jennifer Gordon with TSA.

Tips for travel during July 4 weekend

  • Reserve parking on advance at ParkRDU.com: Reserving parking online guarantees entry to the parking facility of your choice and saves money because ParkRDU.com always offers the lowest rate available.
  • Arrive early: Guests are encouraged to arrive at RDU two hours before a domestic flight and at least three hours before traveling internationally to ensure a smooth experience.
  • Check flight status: Guests should check flight status with their airline prior to arrival at the airport.
  • Plan for 'pad' time: Plan in some extra time before and after your flight.
  • Airline app: Use the airline app if you need to reschedule your flight.
  • TSA Pre-check: Sign up for TSA Pre-check ahead of time, otherwise, it'll take much longer to get to your gate.

Even with the new technology in the security checkpoints, plan ahead so that you can get to your destination on time.

 Credits 

Copyright 2024 by Capitol Broadcasting Company. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.