RDU Gears Up for Busiest Week

The busiest week of the year is about to begin for Raleigh-Durham International Airport. Nearly 200,000 passengers are expected to use the airport, primarily in connection with Thanksgiving related travel.

Wednesday and Sunday are expected to be the busiest travel days of the year.

Parking should be somewhat better; the airport just opened a new Park & Ride lot with 1500 spaces. Because it's likely spaces close to the terminals will be taken, travelers may find it best to use the new lot and take the courtesy bus to the terminals. the new Park & Ride is off Aviation Parkway on National Guard Drive. To get there, take Exit 285 from Interstate 40 to Aviation Parkway and follow signs to National Guard Drive.

Van shuttles have been replaced with 20-seat Bluebird buses, which can accommodate wheelchairs.

Also brand new are mini-business centers in Terminals A and C (there is no Terminal B), with foreign currency exchange, travelers checks, foreign drafts, flight insurance, a notary, copy and fax machines, cell phone and pager rental, stamps and printer port access.

RDU officials have provided 10 tips to make air travel as smooth as possible.

l. Arrive early. Airlines suggest you arrive at the gate 60 minutes before your departure.

2. Call the 24-hour RDU parking hotline at 919-840-2110 for rates and lot locations.

3. When approaching the airport, tune to 1610 AM for the latest parking conditions.

4. From Interstate 40, use exit 284B or 285.

5. Save time by parking in outlying lots first. The courtesy buses pick up every 15 minutes to take passengers to terminals.

6. Write down where you parked to make finding your vehicle easier on your return.

7. Bring two picture IDs.

8. Have your luggage clearly identified, inside and out, and do not take anything from strangers.

9. Always keep your hand luggage with you and please cooperate if it is searched.

10. RDU parking lots accept MasterCard, Visa, American Express, travelers checks and cash.